Stearns Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Stearns Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 11 ft (taller than 25.5% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 1,350 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 430 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 260 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 52 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1930 (96 years old) |
| NID ID | MA01143 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Salem Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 12 ftCreighton Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 10 ftFarnums Mill Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 14 ftEmerson Brook Dam
Essex, MA
Low Hazard 15 ftField Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftField Pond Dike
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 10 ftCollins Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftBrackett Pond Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Stearns Pond Dam?
Stearns Pond Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Stearns Pond Dam?
Stearns Pond Dam is owned by DCR - DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Stearns Pond Dam built?
Stearns 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 Stearns Pond Dam?
Stearns Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Stearns Pond Dam?
Stearns Pond Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Stearns Pond Dam last inspected?
Stearns Pond Dam was last inspected on March 6, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.