Meadow Dam

BEAVER BROOK· Essex, Massachusetts· Earth· 7 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Meadow Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 7 ft (taller than 2.3% in MA)
Dam Length100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage100 acre-ft
Normal Storage63 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
NID IDMA02267

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: September 14, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF DANVERS, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Mill Pond Dam

Essex, MA

Significant Hazard 17 ft

Putmanville Reservoir South Dike

Essex, MA

High Hazard 7 ft

Putnamville Reservoir East Dike

Essex, MA

High Hazard 24 ft

Putnamville Reservoir West Dike

Essex, MA

High Hazard 26 ft

Goldthwaite Brook Dam

Essex, MA

Low Hazard 8 ft

Putnamville Reservoir Dam

Essex, MA

High Hazard 37 ft

Goldthwaite Brook Dam #2

Essex, MA

Low Hazard 8 ft

Sidneys Pond Dam

Essex, MA

Significant Hazard 9 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Meadow Dam?

Meadow 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 Meadow Dam?

Meadow Dam is owned by TOWN OF DANVERS, BOARD OF SELECTMEN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Meadow Dam?

Meadow Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Meadow Dam?

Meadow Dam has a dam height of 7 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 Meadow Dam last inspected?

Meadow Dam was last inspected on September 14, 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.