Walden Pond East End Dam

SAUGUS RIVER· Essex, Massachusetts· Built 1905· Earth· 8 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Walden Pond East End Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 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 8 ft (taller than 6.7% in MA)
Dam Length185 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage5.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.1K acre-ft
Surface Area233 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1905 (121 years old)
NID IDMA00235

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: October 19, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

CITY OF LYNN, LYNN WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Walden Pond East End Dam?

Walden Pond East End 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 Walden Pond East End Dam?

Walden Pond East End Dam is owned by CITY OF LYNN, LYNN WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Walden Pond East End Dam built?

Walden Pond East End Dam was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 Walden Pond East End Dam?

Walden Pond East End 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 Walden Pond East End Dam?

Walden Pond East End Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Walden Pond East End Dam last inspected?

Walden Pond East End Dam was last inspected on October 19, 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.