Lake Gardner Dam
Lake Gardner Dam is an earth dam located in Essex County, Massachusetts, built in 1872. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lake Gardner Dam
The primary purpose of Lake Gardner Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by City Of Amesbury (local government). It impounds the Powwow River near Amesbury.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 830 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 93 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,900 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 50 square miles. Completed in 1872, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/21/2023.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Massachusetts dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Essex |
| Nearest City | Amesbury |
| River/Stream | Powwow River |
| Coordinates | 42.85987, -70.93835 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 830 ft |
| Year Completed | 1872 (154 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,900 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,900 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 93 acres |
| Drainage Area | 50 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | City of Amesbury |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/21/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00152 |
| Federal ID | MA00152 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |