Dykes Meadow Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lily Pond Outlet Dam Wallace Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Dykes Meadow Dam, located in Gloucester, Essex County, Massachusetts, is a vital water supply infrastructure managed by the local government.
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Summary
Completed in 1981, this earth dam stands at a height of 52 feet with a hydraulic height of 44 feet, serving the primary purpose of water supply for the region. The dam has a storage capacity of 1360 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 108 acres, drawing water from a tributary of Little River.
The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance. The structure has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition with a significant hazard potential, prompting a moderate risk assessment. While the last inspection was conducted in April 2015, the dam is monitored regularly, with an inspection frequency of 5 years to maintain its integrity and functionality. In case of emergencies, emergency action plans are prepared to meet guidelines and ensure effective risk management measures.
Dykes Meadow Dam plays a crucial role in the water resource management of the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure for the sustainable supply of water to the local community. Climate and water resource enthusiasts would find interest in the engineering and regulatory aspects of this earth dam, which stands as a vital component of the water supply system in Essex County, Massachusetts.
Year Completed |
1981 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
52 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY OF LITTLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
108 |
Hydraulic Height |
44 |
Drainage Area |
0.56 |
Nid Storage |
1360 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
52 |
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.
Dykes Meadow Dam
Dunfudgin Public Boat Ramp