Whitney Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Whitney Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 27 ft (taller than 82.9% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 887 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 410 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 44 acres |
| Drainage Area | 52 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00633 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Town of Winchendon, DPW
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Hunts Pond
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 15 ftTannery Pond
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 10 ftWhites Mill Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 13 ftRobbins Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 10 ftRed Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 15 ftLake Monomonac Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 16 ftLower Damon Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 13 ftStoddard Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whitney Pond Dam?
Whitney Pond Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Whitney Pond Dam?
Whitney Pond Dam is owned by Town of Winchendon, DPW (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whitney Pond Dam built?
Whitney Pond Dam was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Whitney Pond Dam?
Whitney Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Whitney Pond Dam?
Whitney Pond Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Whitney Pond Dam last inspected?
Whitney Pond Dam was last inspected on October 9, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.