Birch Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Birch Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1873 and is 153 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 25 ft (taller than 79.2% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 810 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 75 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1873 (153 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00237 |
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
CITY OF LYNN, LYNN WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
Local Government
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High Hazard 5 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Birch Pond Dam?
Birch 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 Birch Pond Dam?
Birch Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF LYNN, LYNN WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Birch Pond Dam built?
Birch Pond Dam was completed in 1873, making it 153 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 Birch Pond Dam?
Birch Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Birch Pond Dam?
Birch Pond Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Birch Pond Dam last inspected?
Birch Pond Dam was last inspected on October 18, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.