Goose Cove Reservoir South Dam
Key Takeaway
Goose Cove Reservoir South Dam 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 | 20 ft (taller than 69.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 550 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 825 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 60 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00163 |
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, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Goose Cove Southwest Dike
Essex, MA
High Hazard 9 ftGoose Cove Northwest Dike
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High Hazard 45 ftStrangmans Pond Dam
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High Hazard 10 ftGoose Cove North Dam
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High Hazard 35 ftBabson Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 44 ftMill River Culvert and Tide Gate
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Low Hazard 12 ftUpper Banjo Pond Dam
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High Hazard 17 ftFernwood Lake North Dam
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High Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Goose Cove Reservoir South Dam?
Goose Cove Reservoir South 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 Goose Cove Reservoir South Dam?
Goose Cove Reservoir South Dam 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 Reservoir South Dam built?
Goose Cove Reservoir South Dam 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 Reservoir South Dam?
Goose Cove Reservoir South 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 Goose Cove Reservoir South Dam?
Goose Cove Reservoir South Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Reservoir South Dam last inspected?
Goose Cove Reservoir South Dam was last inspected on October 1, 2013. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.