Fernwood Lake East Dam
Key Takeaway
Fernwood Lake East Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1877 and is 149 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 | 5 ft (taller than 0.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 120 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 330 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 225 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1877 (149 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01336 |
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 Gloucester, DPW
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Fernwood Lake North Dam
Essex, MA
High Hazard 16 ftFernwood Lake South Dike
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftFernwood Lake West Dam
Essex, MA
High Hazard 11 ftUpper Banjo Pond Dam
Essex, MA
High Hazard 17 ftWallace Pond Dam
Essex, MA
High Hazard 22 ftLily Pond Outlet Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 8 ftBuswell Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 4 ftDykes Meadow Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 52 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fernwood Lake East Dam?
Fernwood Lake East 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 Fernwood Lake East Dam?
Fernwood Lake East Dam is owned by City of Gloucester, DPW (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fernwood Lake East Dam built?
Fernwood Lake East Dam was completed in 1877, making it 149 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 Fernwood Lake East Dam?
Fernwood Lake East 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 Fernwood Lake East Dam?
Fernwood Lake East Dam has a dam height of 5 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 Fernwood Lake East Dam last inspected?
Fernwood Lake East Dam was last inspected on January 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.