James Pond Dam
James Pond Dam is a stone dam located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, built in 1851. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About James Pond Dam
The primary purpose of James Pond Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by No. 1 Mill Warehouse, Llc (private). It impounds the Flag Brook near Fitchburg.
The dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 215 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 6 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 62 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 12 square miles. Completed in 1851, 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 09/14/2021.
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Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Worcester |
| Nearest City | Fitchburg |
| River/Stream | Flag Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.55339, -71.84162 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Stone |
| NID Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Length | 215 ft |
| Year Completed | 1851 (175 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 62 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 62 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 40 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,100 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | No. 1 Mill Warehouse, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/14/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00884 |
| Federal ID | MA00884 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |