Lake Gardner Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bailey Pond Dam Lake Attitash Dam
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Lake Gardner Dam, located in Amesbury, Massachusetts, stands as a crucial structure along the Pow-Wow River, with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities for locals and visitors.
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Summary
Built in 1872, this earth dam reaches a height of 25 feet and stretches 845 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 1200 acre-feet. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment in 2016 deemed it satisfactory, highlighting the efforts of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in ensuring its safety.
With a drainage area of 50.2 square miles, Lake Gardner Dam serves an important role in managing water resources in the region, with a maximum storage capacity of 1500 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has undergone regular inspections and is regulated by the state, with enforcement and permitting processes in place to maintain its integrity. The structure's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Gardner Dam offers a fascinating case study in dam management and regulation. As a locally-owned structure, its significance extends beyond recreation to include water supply and flood control functions. The dam's history, design characteristics, and risk profile provide valuable insights into the complexities of balancing human needs with environmental considerations in the management of water resources and infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1872 |
Dam Length |
845 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
POW-WOW RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
75 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
50.2 |
Nid Storage |
1500 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Lake Gardner Dam
Attitash Avenue 39, Merrimac