Forest Lake Dam dam
Forest Lake Dam
Forest Lake Dam in Methuen, Massachusetts, is a gravity dam primarily used for recreational purposes. Managed by the local government, the dam stands at a height of 6.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 4.5 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 120 acre-feet, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the Essex County area.
The dam, constructed with earth and gravity materials, is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk level. Although last inspected in October 2015, the dam has state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and functionality for the surrounding community. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the ecological significance and recreational value that Forest Lake Dam provides in the region.
Located in the New England District, Forest Lake Dam offers a tranquil retreat for visitors seeking to enjoy its 40-acre surface area and surrounding natural beauty. With its uncontrolled spillway type and a drainage area of 0.36 square miles, the dam contributes to the local ecosystem and serves as a vital water source for the area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the importance of dams in environmental conservation, Forest Lake Dam stands out as a key landmark in Methuen, Massachusetts, blending recreation with ecological stewardship.
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 Forest Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Spicket River Near Methuen | 28 cfs | → |
| Merrimack River Bl Concord River At Lowell | 8,560 cfs | → |
| Beaver Brook At North Pelham | 26 cfs | → |
| Concord R Below R Meadow Brook | 260 cfs | → |
| Spicket River At North Salem | 0 cfs | → |
| Shawsheen River Near Wilmington | 15 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Forest Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Ridgewood Lane Methuen
- Methuen Riverside Boat Ramp
- Canoe Launch Windham
- Wolcott Avenue 57, Lawrence
- Great Pond Road 1939, North Andover
- Willowdale Avenue 1-53, Dracut
Campgrounds
- Windham Town Forest Tent Platforms
- Camp Evergreen
- Grotonwood
- Salisbury State Park Reservation
- Tidewater Campground
- Remote Campsite
Paddle runs
Track Forest 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 Forest Lake Dam
Where does the data for Forest 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 Low 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 Forest Lake Dam.