Pepperell Paper dam
Pepperell Paper
Pepperell Paper, a privately owned hydroelectric facility located in Pepperell, Massachusetts, has been a key player in harnessing the power of the Nashua River since its completion in 1918. With a dam height of 23.5 feet and a storage capacity of 6600 acre-feet, this facility plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Despite being regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Pepperell Paper has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
The facility's uncontrolled spillway, 251-foot dam length, and 294-acre surface area make it a significant feature in the area's hydrology. The dam's normal storage capacity of 4530 acre-feet ensures a steady supply of water for both power generation and environmental purposes. While the condition assessment of Pepperell Paper is currently not available, it remains an essential asset for both water resource management and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable energy solutions.
With its historical significance and ongoing role in water resource management, Pepperell Paper stands as a testament to the intersection of hydroelectric power and environmental conservation. As a key player in the region's energy landscape, this facility continues to be a point of interest for those passionate about water resources and climate resilience. Despite its low hazard potential, Pepperell Paper's risk assessment highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and management to ensure its continued operation and contribution to the local ecosystem.
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 Pepperell Paper -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nashua River At East Pepperell | 531 cfs | → |
| Squannacook River Near West Groton | 83 cfs | → |
| North Nashua River At Fitchburg | 101 cfs | → |
| North Nashua River Near Leominster | 149 cfs | → |
| Nashoba Brook Near Acton | 7 cfs | → |
| Souhegan River At Merrimack | 256 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Pepperell Paper.
Boat launches
- Flints Pond Boat Launch
- Winchester Street Boat Launch
- Great Road 687, Littleton
- Flint Pond Road, Tyngsborough
- Melendy Pond Boat Launch
- Musquash Pond Boat Launch
Campgrounds
- Grotonwood
- Pearl Hill Campground
- Damon Pond Campground
- Windham Town Forest Tent Platforms
- Camp Evergreen
- Otter River State Forest
Paddle runs
Track Pepperell Paper 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 Pepperell Paper
Where does the data for Pepperell Paper 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 Pepperell Paper.