Curtis Ponds Dam
Curtis Ponds Dam is an earth dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1837. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Curtis Ponds Dam
The primary purpose of Curtis Ponds Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by New England Power Co. D/b/a National Grid (private). It impounds the Blackstone River/kettle Brook near Worcester.
The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 420 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 40 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 512 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 32 square miles. Completed in 1837, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/27/2021.
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Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Worcester |
| Nearest City | Worcester |
| River/Stream | Blackstone River/kettle Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.24376, -71.83383 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Length | 420 ft |
| Year Completed | 1837 (189 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 512 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 512 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 220 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 40 acres |
| Drainage Area | 32 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | New England Power Co. d/b/a National Grid |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/27/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00140 |
| Federal ID | MA00140 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |