Emerson Brook Dam dam
Emerson Brook Dam
Emerson Brook Dam in Middleton, Massachusetts, is a concrete structure with a primary purpose of water supply. Completed in 1951, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a hydraulic height of 13.5 feet. It has a storage capacity of 940 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 600 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.5 square miles. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and low hazard potential.
Located on Emerson Brook, this dam plays a crucial role in providing water for the surrounding area. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has a history of meeting regulatory guidelines and is equipped with emergency preparedness measures. The surrounding surface area of 250 acres adds to the dam's significance in the region. Additionally, the dam is under the jurisdiction of the state and is not owned or funded by federal agencies, emphasizing its importance to the local government and community.
Emerson Brook Dam's association with water supply and its dedication to meeting regulatory standards make it a valuable asset in ensuring water resource sustainability in Essex County, Massachusetts. With a focus on fair condition and low hazard potential, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in the region. Its history of compliance and regular inspections further highlight its importance in maintaining a reliable water supply for the community.
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 Emerson Brook Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Ipswich River At South Middleton | 16 cfs | → |
| Ipswich River Near Ipswich | 111 cfs | → |
| Saugus R At Saugus Iron Works At Saugus | 8 cfs | → |
| Shawsheen River Near Wilmington | 15 cfs | → |
| Parker River At Byfield | 19 cfs | → |
| Aberjona River At Winchester | 8 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Emerson Brook Dam.
Boat launches
- Stiles Pond Road 4.0, Boxford
- Boxford Road 41-43, Ipswich
- Woods Road Andover
- Ipswich Road Topsfield
- Great Pond Road 1939, North Andover
- West Main Street 206, Georgetown
Track Emerson Brook 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 Emerson Brook Dam
Where does the data for Emerson Brook 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 Low 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 Emerson Brook Dam.