Frye Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Frye Pond Dam, located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, serves as a crucial structure for recreational purposes along Snows Brook.


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Summary

Built in 1932, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a hydraulic height of 6 feet, providing a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is still state-regulated and inspected periodically by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to ensure public safety.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a length of 280 feet and a surface area of 3.9 acres. While the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, its normal storage capacity is 25 acre-feet, serving as a vital water resource for the surrounding area. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness plans are currently undocumented, posing potential challenges in the event of an emergency.

Investment in the maintenance and improvement of Frye Pond Dam is essential to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of both the dam structure and the local community. As a significant water resource along Snows Brook, the dam plays a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities and water storage capacity. Collaboration between local government agencies and regulatory bodies is imperative to address the dam's poor condition assessment and implement necessary risk management measures for the future.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SNOWS BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.9

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

2.74

Nid Storage

115

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.