Ames Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Ames Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 | 11 ft (taller than 25.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 175 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 600 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 350 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 80 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01006 |
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
AMES HILL DEVELOPMENT, LLC
Private
Nearby Dams
Ames Pond Dike A
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 11 ftAmes Pond Dike B
Middlesex, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftHaggetts Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 6 ftBallardvale Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 14 ftTalbot Mills Dam
Middlesex, MA
Significant Hazard 16 ftLowell Reservoir Dam
Middlesex, MA
High Hazard 26 ftFosters Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 10 ftGreat Stone
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 38 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ames Pond Dam?
Ames 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 Ames Pond Dam?
Ames Pond Dam is owned by AMES HILL DEVELOPMENT, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ames Pond Dam built?
Ames Pond Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Ames Pond Dam?
Ames 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 Ames Pond Dam?
Ames Pond Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Ames Pond Dam last inspected?
Ames Pond Dam was last inspected on October 17, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.