Walden Pond East End Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Located in Essex County, Massachusetts, Walden Pond East End Dam stands as a vital structure for water supply purposes, serving the local community under the ownership of the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1905, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and a length of 185 feet, with a storage capacity of 5500 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.65 square miles. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam has been regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality.
Sitting on the Saugus River in Lynn, Massachusetts, the Walden Pond East End Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and providing a reliable water supply for the region. With a surface area of 233 acres and a normal storage capacity of 4100 acre-feet, this dam serves as a key infrastructure for water management and conservation efforts in the area. Despite its age, the dam has been regularly inspected and meets state regulatory standards to mitigate any potential risks associated with its operation.
Maintaining a high-risk potential due to its age and condition, the Walden Pond East End Dam remains a critical structure for water resource management in the region. As a local government-owned earth dam, it signifies the importance of infrastructure for sustainable water supply practices. With a strong focus on safety and regulatory compliance, the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose of water supply while being closely monitored and maintained to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and environment.
Year Completed |
1905 |
Dam Length |
185 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
SAUGUS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
233 |
Hydraulic Height |
7 |
Drainage Area |
1.65 |
Nid Storage |
5500 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Walden Pond East End Dam
Blossom Street Extension 398, Lynn