Breeds Pond Lantern Rock Dike #4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Breeds Pond Lantern Rock Dike #4 is a key water resource infrastructure in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts, completed in 1914 for water supply purposes.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam, standing at 30 feet high with a hydraulic height of 25 feet, plays a vital role in storing and managing water from Moore's Brook tributary of the Saugus River. With a storage capacity of 4400 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 192 acres and serves a drainage area of 0.95 square miles.

Despite its age, Breeds Pond Lantern Rock Dike #4 is regularly inspected by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam, with a fair condition assessment and a high hazard potential due to its age, poses a high risk (rated 2 out of 5) and is closely monitored for any necessary risk management measures. The dam has no spillway and no locks but stands as a critical structure for maintaining water supply in the region.

Owned and regulated by the local government, this dam has a strong enforcement and inspection process in place to mitigate any potential risks. The surrounding area is at high risk of inundation in case of a breach, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance of Breeds Pond Lantern Rock Dike #4 for the safety and security of the community and the water resources it supports.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

MOORE'S BROOK TRIBUTARY OF SAUGUS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

192

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

0.95

Nid Storage

4400

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

30
       
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.