Framingham #1 Reservoir dam
Framingham #1 Reservoir
Framingham #1 Reservoir, located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, is a state-regulated water source managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This Earth dam, completed in 1878, serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing essential habitat for local wildlife and recreational opportunities for visitors. With a maximum storage capacity of 3,075 acre-feet and a normal storage of 600 acre-feet, the reservoir covers a surface area of 130 acres and has a drainage area of 74.7 square miles.
The dam, standing at a height of 22 feet and a hydraulic height of 12.5 feet, poses a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as satisfactory in condition. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the reservoir has a regulated spillway type and a history of uncontrolled spillway events. Regular inspections, conducted every two years, ensure the dam's structural integrity and the safety of the surrounding communities. Despite its age, Framingham #1 Reservoir continues to play a crucial role in water resource management, climate adaptation, and environmental conservation efforts in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Framingham #1 Reservoir offers a fascinating case study in sustainable water management and dam safety practices. As a vital source of water for fish and wildlife, as well as a popular recreational destination, this historic reservoir exemplifies the intersection of human development and natural ecosystems. By understanding the reservoir's design, purpose, and risk management measures, enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of maintaining essential water infrastructure in a changing climate.
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 Framingham #1 Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sudbury River At Saxonville | 112 cfs | → |
| Lake Cochituate Outlet At Framingham | 25 cfs | → |
| Charles River At Dover | 157 cfs | → |
| Assabet River At Maynard | 95 cfs | → |
| Stony Brook Reservoir At Dam Near Waltham | 0 cfs | → |
| Stony Brook At Rt 20 At Waltham | 27 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Framingham #1 Reservoir.
Boat launches
- Lakeview Avenue 98, Framingham
- Commonwealth Road 39, Natick
- Rose Donahue Boat Launch
- Ashland State Park Boat Launch
- Dudley Road 43, Wayland
- Cedar Street 154-180, Hopkinton
Track Framingham #1 Reservoir 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 Framingham #1 Reservoir
Where does the data for Framingham #1 Reservoir 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 High 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 Framingham #1 Reservoir.