Dana Road, Petersham boat launch
Dana Road, Petersham
According to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, boats that are permitted on the Quabbin Reservoir must be inspected for invasive species, have a valid permit, and must adhere to certain speed limits and other regulations. In general, the types of boats that are allowed on the reservoir include canoes, kayaks, rowboats, sailboats under 20 feet in length, and motorboats with a maximum horsepower of 10. Larger motorboats and personal watercraft are not allowed.
Overall, the Dana Road boat ramp is a small but important access point for recreational boaters who wish to explore the northern section of the Quabbin Reservoir. As with any boating activity, it is important to be aware of the regulations and restrictions in place to ensure the safety of both the boaters and the environment.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Dana Road, Petersham -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick | 53 cfs | → |
| West Branch Swift River Near Shutesbury | 12 cfs | → |
| Ware River At Intake Works Near Barre | 114 cfs | → |
| Swift River At West Ware | 44 cfs | → |
| Ware River At Gibbs Crossing | 174 cfs | → |
| Ware River Near Barre | 54 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Dana Road, Petersham as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Dana Road, Petersham
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Dana Road, Petersham.