Walden Pond Outlet Dam
Key Takeaway
Walden Pond Outlet Dam is classified as high hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 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 | 43 ft (taller than 94% in MA) |
| Dam Length | 2,220 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 243 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1890 (136 years old) |
| NID ID | MA00246 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
CITY OF LYNN, LYNN WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Hawkes Pond Outlet Dam
Essex, MA
High Hazard 26 ftBirch Pond Dam
Essex, MA
High Hazard 25 ftJohn Leo Silver Lake Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 13 ftWalden Pond East End Dam
Essex, MA
High Hazard 8 ftBreeds Pond Lantern Rock Dike #4
Essex, MA
High Hazard 30 ftJohn A. W. Pearce Lake Dam
Essex, MA
Significant Hazard 11 ftSuntaug Lake Dam
Essex, MA
High Hazard 17 ftBreeds Pond Outlet Dam #5
Essex, MA
High Hazard 44 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Walden Pond Outlet Dam?
Walden Pond 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 Walden Pond Outlet Dam?
Walden Pond Outlet 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 Outlet Dam built?
Walden Pond Outlet Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Outlet Dam?
Walden Pond 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 Walden Pond Outlet Dam?
Walden Pond Outlet Dam has a dam height of 43 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 Outlet Dam last inspected?
Walden Pond Outlet Dam was last inspected on October 18, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.