Farnums Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Stearns Pond Dam Creighton Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Farnums Mill Pond Dam, located in North Andover, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1900, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of Boston Brook, the dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state permits, inspections, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2009 was deemed unsatisfactory. With a moderate risk rating, measures for risk management and emergency preparedness are not clearly outlined. The last inspection in 2009 revealed the need for improvements, signaling a potential area of concern for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience. As climate change continues to impact water infrastructure, the future maintenance and safety of Farnums Mill Pond Dam will be crucial to mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding area.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY OF BOSTON BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
0.04 |
Drainage Area |
2.8 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Farnums Mill Pond Dam
Stiles Pond Road 4.0, Boxford