Breeds Pond Outlet Dam No. 5 is an earth dam located in Essex County, Massachusetts, built in 1870. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 44 ft44 ft tall and 1,420 ft long, taller than 89% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Breeds Pond Outlet Dam No. 5
The primary purpose of Breeds Pond Outlet Dam No. 5 is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Lynn Water and Sewer Commission (local government). It impounds the Moore's Brook, Tributary of Saugus near Lynn.
The dam stands 44 feet tall and stretches 1,420 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 192 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 6,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1870, 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 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 10/11/2022.
At 44 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
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 | Lynn |
| River/Stream | Moore's Brook, Tributary of Saugus |
| Coordinates | 42.47348, -70.97817 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 44 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,420 ft |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 6,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 6,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 192 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 840 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Lynn Water and Sewer Commission |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 10/11/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA00238 |
| Federal ID | MA00238 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |