Goose Cove Northwest Dike

ANNISQUAM RIVER· Essex, Massachusetts· Built 1963· Earth· 45 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Goose Cove Northwest Dike is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 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 45 ft (taller than 94.4% in MA)
Dam Length472 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage825 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDMA01099

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 1, 2013
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF GLOUCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Goose Cove Northwest Dike?

Goose Cove Northwest Dike 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 Goose Cove Northwest Dike?

Goose Cove Northwest Dike is owned by CITY OF GLOUCESTER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Goose Cove Northwest Dike built?

Goose Cove Northwest Dike was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Goose Cove Northwest Dike?

Goose Cove Northwest Dike 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 Goose Cove Northwest Dike?

Goose Cove Northwest Dike has a dam height of 45 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 Goose Cove Northwest Dike last inspected?

Goose Cove Northwest Dike was last inspected on October 1, 2013. 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.