Kenoza Lake Outlet Dam

COTTLES CREEK· Essex, Massachusetts· Built 1979· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Kenoza Lake Outlet Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 18% in MA)
Dam Length40 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage7.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage7.0K acre-ft
Surface Area269 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1979 (47 years old)
NID IDMA03200

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 3, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF HAVERHILL, WATER DEPARTMENT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kenoza Lake Outlet Dam?

Kenoza Lake Outlet 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 Kenoza Lake Outlet Dam?

Kenoza Lake Outlet Dam is owned by CITY OF HAVERHILL, WATER DEPARTMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kenoza Lake Outlet Dam built?

Kenoza Lake Outlet Dam was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Kenoza Lake Outlet Dam?

Kenoza Lake Outlet 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 Kenoza Lake Outlet Dam?

Kenoza Lake Outlet 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 Kenoza Lake Outlet Dam last inspected?

Kenoza Lake Outlet Dam was last inspected on November 3, 2014. 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.