Strangmans Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Strangmans Pond Dam, located in Gloucester, Massachusetts, was completed in 1884 and serves as a vital water supply structure in the region.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 10 feet and a hydraulic height of 3 feet, impounds a reservoir with a storage capacity of 920 acre-feet. The dam is owned and regulated by a private entity but falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts.

Despite its historical significance and crucial role in water supply, Strangmans Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam lacks a spillway and emergency action plan, raising concerns about its ability to withstand extreme weather events or sudden influxes of water. With a risk assessment rating of High (2), stakeholders must prioritize maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of this essential infrastructure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts monitoring the Strangmans Pond Dam should be aware of its location on a tributary of the Annisquam River and the potential implications of its conditions on the surrounding ecosystem. As inspections are conducted every 10 years, ongoing efforts to address the dam's deficiencies and implement emergency preparedness measures are critical to safeguarding both the water supply and the community in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing environmental risks.

Year Completed

1884

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF ANNISQUAM RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

97

Hydraulic Height

3

Drainage Area

4.41

Nid Storage

920

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.