Ballardvale Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Located in Andover, Massachusetts, the Ballardvale Dam stands as a historic masonry structure on the picturesque Shawsheen River.


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Summary

Built in 1838, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene backdrop for water enthusiasts and climate advocates alike. With a height of 14 feet and a storage capacity of 290 acre-feet, the dam provides a haven for diverse aquatic life and a vital water resource for the surrounding community.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Ballardvale Dam is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a fair condition assessment and a significant hazard potential, the dam poses moderate risks that are carefully monitored and managed by regulatory agencies. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing essential water storage and flood control functions.

As a notable feature in the Essex County landscape, the Ballardvale Dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between human infrastructure and natural water systems. With its rich history and ongoing recreational significance, this dam represents a balance between preservation and utilization of water resources in a changing climate. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Ballardvale Dam offers a compelling case study in the sustainable management of historic structures for both ecological and recreational purposes.

Year Completed

1838

Dam Length

90

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

SHAWSHEEN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

34

Hydraulic Height

9.5

Drainage Area

65

Nid Storage

290

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.