Griswold Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Griswold Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 12 ft (taller than 32.1% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 535 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 95 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 51 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1918 (108 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00292 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
TOWN OF SAUGUS, BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Spring Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 6 ftGriswold Lower Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 12 ftJohn Leo Silver Lake Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftStevens Pond West Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 12 ftJohn A. W. Pearce Lake Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftStevens Pond East Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftCrystal Lake Dam
Middlesex, MA
Significant Hazard 6 ftLynn Waterways Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Griswold Pond Dam?
Griswold 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 Griswold Pond Dam?
Griswold Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF SAUGUS, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Griswold Pond Dam built?
Griswold Pond Dam was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Griswold Pond Dam?
Griswold Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Griswold Pond Dam?
Griswold Pond Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Griswold Pond Dam last inspected?
Griswold Pond Dam was last inspected on September 5, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.