Unionville Pond Dam

CHAFFINS BROOK· Worcester, Massachusetts· Built 1909· Earth· 21 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Unionville Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1909 and is 117 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 72.5% in MA)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage380 acre-ft
Normal Storage100 acre-ft
Surface Area19 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Year Completed1909 (117 years old)
NID IDMA00620

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 30, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Unionville Pond Dam?

Unionville Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Unionville Pond Dam?

Unionville Pond Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Unionville Pond Dam built?

Unionville Pond Dam was completed in 1909, making it 117 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Unionville Pond Dam?

Unionville Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Unionville Pond Dam?

Unionville Pond Dam has a dam height of 21 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Unionville Pond Dam last inspected?

Unionville Pond Dam was last inspected on June 30, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.