Goose Cove Northwest Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Goose Cove Northwest Dike in Gloucester, Massachusetts, is a vital earth dam that serves as a water supply source for the surrounding area.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, this structure stands at a height of 45.2 feet and has a hydraulic height of 26 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1140 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of water supply, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the Annisquam River.

Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Goose Cove Northwest Dike is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its proper functioning and safety. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2013, the dam poses a high hazard potential due to its location and size. The risk assessment categorizes it as high (2), highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring this critical infrastructure.

Located in Essex County, Massachusetts, the Goose Cove Northwest Dike is a key component of the local water supply system. With its high hazard potential and risk assessment, it is essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about the condition and management of this important earth dam to safeguard the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

472

Dam Height

45.2

River Or Stream

ANNISQUAM RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.09

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.66

Nid Storage

1140

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

45
       
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.