Griswold Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Griswold Pond Dam, located in Saugus, Massachusetts, is a significant earth dam completed in 1918 with a primary purpose of recreation and water supply.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 12 feet with a hydraulic height of 9 feet, spans 535 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Bennett's Pond Brook/Crystal Brook and is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts.

With a surface area of 13.1 acres and a drainage area of 0.19 square miles, Griswold Pond Dam poses a significant hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in September 2017. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating and is subject to regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve as a key recreational and water supply resource for the surrounding community.

As a structure owned and regulated by the local government, Griswold Pond Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and maintaining recreational opportunities in the area. Its historical significance, combined with its functional importance, highlights the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of this vital infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

535

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

BENNETTS POND BROOK/CRYSTAL BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.1

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

95

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.