Suntaug Lake Dam dam
Suntaug Lake Dam
Suntaug Lake Dam, located in Peabody, Massachusetts, is a vital structure for water supply purposes. Completed in 1971, this Earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 2,700 acre-feet. The dam controls the flow of the Ipswich River and has a surface area of 155 acres, serving as a key component in managing water resources in the area.
Despite its importance, Suntaug Lake Dam has a high hazard potential and is classified as having fair condition as of the last assessment in 2016. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety. Additionally, the dam has an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, although its last revision date was in 2014.
Overall, Suntaug Lake Dam plays a crucial role in the water supply infrastructure of Essex County, Massachusetts. As a key component in managing the Ipswich River and providing water storage capacity, the dam is a significant resource for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and regulation of water infrastructure in the region.
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 Suntaug Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Ipswich River At South Middleton | 16 cfs | → |
| Saugus R At Saugus Iron Works At Saugus | 8 cfs | → |
| Aberjona River At Winchester | 8 cfs | → |
| Ipswich River Near Ipswich | 111 cfs | → |
| Shawsheen River Near Wilmington | 15 cfs | → |
| Shawsheen River At Hanscom Field Near Bedford | 7 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Suntaug Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Blossom Street Extension 398, Lynn
- Nahant Ave Ramp
- Woods Road Andover
- Boxford Road 41-43, Ipswich
- Ipswich Road Topsfield
- Harbor Walk Charlestown
Track Suntaug Lake 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 Suntaug Lake Dam
Where does the data for Suntaug Lake 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 High 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 Suntaug Lake Dam.