Erikson Dam

About Erikson Dam

The primary purpose of Erikson Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Erikson Grain Mill, Inc. (private). It impounds the Fort Pond Brook near Acton.

The dam stands 17 feet tall and stretches 58 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 8 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 198 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 19 square miles. Completed in 1848, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/07/2018.

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