Frye Pond Dam

SNOWS BROOK· Essex, Massachusetts· Built 1932· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Frye Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1932 and is 94 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 18% in MA)
Dam Length280 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage115 acre-ft
Normal Storage25 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1932 (94 years old)
NID IDMA03195

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 21, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF HAVERHILL, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Frye Pond Dam?

Frye Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Frye Pond Dam?

Frye Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF HAVERHILL, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Frye Pond Dam built?

Frye Pond Dam was completed in 1932, making it 94 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 Frye Pond Dam?

Frye 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 Frye Pond Dam?

Frye Pond Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Frye Pond Dam last inspected?

Frye Pond Dam was last inspected on November 21, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.