West Pond Outlet Dam dam
West Pond Outlet Dam
West Pond Outlet Dam, located in Gloucester, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation. Built in 1872, this concrete dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a hydraulic height of 10.5 feet, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a maximum discharge volume. The dam controls an unnamed stream that flows into the Atlantic Ocean, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the area.
Despite its historical significance and recreational value, West Pond Outlet Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure public safety. Although the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, efforts are needed to improve its condition and implement effective risk management measures to prevent any potential hazards.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the data surrounding West Pond Outlet Dam, they are drawn to its structural details, operational history, and the need for proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with its condition. With its unique location and historical significance, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure to ensure the safety of both the environment and local communities in the face of changing climate conditions.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around West Pond Outlet Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Ipswich River Near Ipswich | 81 cfs | → |
| Ipswich River At South Middleton | 26 cfs | → |
| Saugus R At Saugus Iron Works At Saugus | 9 cfs | → |
| Parker River At Byfield | 14 cfs | → |
| Aberjona River At Winchester | 11 cfs | → |
| Shawsheen River Near Wilmington | 27 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near West Pond Outlet Dam.
Track West Pond Outlet Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About West Pond Outlet Dam
Where does the data for West Pond Outlet Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of West Pond Outlet Dam.