Methuen Falls
Methuen Falls is a masonry dam located in Essex County, Massachusetts, built in 1895. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Methuen Falls
The primary purpose of Methuen Falls is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Methuen Falls Hydro Electric Company (private). It impounds the Spicket River near Methuen.
The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 188 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 30 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 210 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 74 square miles. Completed in 1895, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 06/16/2022.
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Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Essex |
| Nearest City | Methuen |
| River/Stream | Spicket River |
| Coordinates | 42.72740, -71.18960 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 188 ft |
| Year Completed | 1895 (131 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 210 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 210 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 210 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 30 acres |
| Drainage Area | 74 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,905 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Methuen Falls Hydro Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/16/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00178 |
| Federal ID | MA00178 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |