Birch Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Birch Pond Dam, located in Lynn, Massachusetts, was completed in 1873 and is owned by the local government.


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Summary

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
       
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.