Johnsons Pond Dam

TRIBUTARY OF JOHNSON CREEK· Essex, Massachusetts· Built 1930· Earth· 9 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Johnsons Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 12.4% in MA)
Dam Length180 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage810 acre-ft
Surface Area186 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDMA01204

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: December 5, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF HAVERHILL, ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Johnsons Pond Dam?

Johnsons 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 Johnsons Pond Dam?

Johnsons Pond Dam is owned by CITY OF HAVERHILL, ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Johnsons Pond Dam built?

Johnsons Pond Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Johnsons Pond Dam?

Johnsons Pond 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 Johnsons Pond Dam?

Johnsons Pond Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Johnsons Pond Dam last inspected?

Johnsons Pond Dam was last inspected on December 5, 2017. 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.