Mill Pond Dam

CRANE BROOK· Essex, Massachusetts· Built 1875· Earth· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mill Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1875 and is 151 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 60.3% in MA)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage322 acre-ft
Normal Storage30 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Year Completed1875 (151 years old)
NID IDMA00161

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: Yes
Last Inspection: April 14, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF DANVERS, BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mill Pond Dam?

Mill 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 Mill Pond Dam?

Mill Pond 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.

When was Mill Pond Dam built?

Mill Pond Dam was completed in 1875, making it 151 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 Mill Pond Dam?

Mill Pond 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 Mill Pond Dam?

Mill Pond Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Mill Pond Dam last inspected?

Mill Pond Dam was last inspected on April 14, 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.