Upper Banjo Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Upper Banjo Pond Dam, located in Gloucester, Massachusetts, is a concrete structure completed in 1908 primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 17 feet with a hydraulic height of 16 feet, providing a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of the Annisquam River, the dam covers a surface area of 10.1 acres and has a drainage area of 0.51 square miles.

Despite its historical significance, Upper Banjo Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The dam, with a length of 149 feet, is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, making it subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in 2013, and its risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk.

With its unique design as a buttress-type concrete dam, Upper Banjo Pond Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in the area. However, the dam's deteriorating condition and high hazard potential highlight the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

149

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF ANNISQUAM RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

10.1

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

0.51

Nid Storage

66

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
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.