Richards Reservoir Upper Dam dam
Richards Reservoir Upper Dam
Located in Warwick, Massachusetts, the Richards Reservoir Upper Dam stands as a crucial water resource infrastructure managed by the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation. The dam, constructed primarily for fish and wildlife pond purposes, is part of the Black Brook watershed and serves as a key point for recreation in the area. With a height of 8.5 feet and a storage capacity of 117 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water levels and supporting the local ecosystem.
The Richards Reservoir Upper Dam boasts a low hazard potential and a fair condition assessment, indicating its reliability in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential risks. The dam's uncontrolled spillway type and buttress core design further enhance its ability to manage water flow effectively. Despite its last inspection dating back to 2010, the state-mandated regulatory and inspection processes ensure that the dam meets safety standards and poses minimal risk to the environment and inhabitants in the area.
As a focal point for fish and wildlife preservation, as well as recreational activities, the Richards Reservoir Upper Dam serves as a testament to Massachusetts' commitment to water resource management and environmental conservation. Its strategic location and design not only support the local ecosystem but also provide a safe and enjoyable space for outdoor enthusiasts and climate advocates to appreciate the importance of water stewardship in maintaining a sustainable future.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
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. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| 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.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Richards Reservoir Upper Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| East Branch Tully River Near Athol | 5 cfs | → |
| Millers River At Erving | 955 cfs | → |
| Millers River At South Royalston | 39 cfs | → |
| Ashuelot River At Hinsdale | 1,220 cfs | → |
| Priest Brook Near Winchendon | 51 cfs | → |
| Birch Hill Reservoir At South Royalston | 30 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Richards Reservoir Upper Dam.
Boat launches
- Doane Hill Road Royalston
- North Orange Road 52-534, Athol
- Main Street 2010, Athol
- Laurel Lake Boat Launch
- Swanzey Lake Boat Launch
- River Road Royalston
Campgrounds
- Falls Brook Shelter
- Richardson-Zlogar Cabin
- Tully Lake
- Erving State Forest
- Swanzey Lake Camping Area
- Pilgrim Pines Camping Area
Paddle runs
- Headwaters To Confluence With West River (End Of Sherman Road)
- First Bridge Upstream On Route 100 To Confluence With West River
- Headwaters To First Bridge Upstream On Route 100
- Headwaters To North Of Searsburg Reservoir
- Stamford Town Line To Confluence With City Stream
- Headwaters To First Bridge
Track Richards Reservoir Upper Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Richards Reservoir Upper Dam
Where does the data for Richards Reservoir Upper Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Richards Reservoir Upper Dam.