The Northern Canal Gatehouse, also known as the Northern Canal Head Gates Dam, is a historic structure located in Lowell, Massachusetts along the Merrimack River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1848, this masonry dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a structural height of 25 feet. It serves a primary purpose in hydroelectric power generation and offers benefits for fire protection, stock, flood risk reduction, navigation, and recreation.
Owned and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Northern Canal Gatehouse plays a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting various activities in the region. With a storage capacity of 4,500 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3,979 acres, this dam has a maximum discharge of 573,000 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam is considered to have a low hazard potential and a high risk assessment level of 2.
The Northern Canal Gatehouse features ten slide (sluice gate) outlets and is associated with fifteen other structures in the area. While its condition assessment is not currently available, the dam undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its safety and functionality. With its rich history and significant role in water resource management, the Northern Canal Gatehouse stands as a testament to the enduring importance of infrastructure in supporting climate and water-related endeavors.
Year Completed |
1848 |
Dam Length |
143 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
Merrimack River |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
720 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
3979 |
Nid Storage |
4500 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 10 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
25 |