Birch Pond Dam, located in Lynn, Massachusetts, was completed in 1873 and is owned by the local government.
Wind
Humidity
The dam serves as a crucial water supply source, with a storage capacity of 1300 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 800 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a hydraulic height of 21 feet, impounding Birch Brook to create a surface area of 75 acres for water storage.
This Earth-type dam with a buttress core is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. Despite being assessed as in fair condition during the last inspection in October 2017, the dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and size. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, raising concerns about potential flooding risks in the event of heavy rainfall or other emergencies. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, ongoing risk management measures are needed to ensure the safety and integrity of Birch Pond Dam for the surrounding community and water supply.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Birch Pond Dam a fascinating structure to study, given its historical significance, purpose in water supply, and the challenges it faces in terms of hazard potential and risk management. Monitoring the condition of this dam and implementing necessary safety measures will be crucial to safeguarding the local environment and community in the face of changing climate conditions and potential natural disasters.
Year Completed |
1873 |
Dam Length |
810 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
BIRCH BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
75 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.68 |
Nid Storage |
1300 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |