Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam

COCHICHEWICK BROOK· Essex, Massachusetts· Built 1865· Masonry· 13 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1865 and is 161 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 13 ft (taller than 39.5% in MA)
Dam Length100 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage8.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage6.3K acre-ft
Surface Area575 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Year Completed1865 (161 years old)
NID IDMA00278

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: September 26, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF NORTH ANDOVER, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam?

Lake Cochichewick Outlet 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 Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam?

Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam is owned by TOWN OF NORTH ANDOVER, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam built?

Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam was completed in 1865, making it 161 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 Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam?

Lake Cochichewick 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 Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam?

Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam last inspected?

Lake Cochichewick Outlet Dam was last inspected on September 26, 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.