Merrimack Dam
Merrimack Dam is a masonry dam located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, built in 1847. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Merrimack Dam
The primary purpose of Merrimack Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Merrimack Canal near Lowell.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 18 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 720 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 4,500 acre-feet. Completed in 1847, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 05/15/2019.
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Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Middlesex |
| Nearest City | Lowell |
| River/Stream | Merrimack Canal |
| Coordinates | 42.64814, -71.31013 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 8 ft |
| Dam Length | 18 ft |
| Year Completed | 1847 (179 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 720 acres |
| Max Discharge | 440 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/15/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00837 |
| Federal ID | MA00837S007 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |