Quabbin Winsor Dam dam
Quabbin Winsor Dam
Quabbin Winsor Dam, located in Ware, Massachusetts, is a state-regulated structure managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Completed in 1939, this earth dam stands at a height of 170 feet and spans 2640 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 1,810,000 acre-feet from the Swift River. With a primary purpose of water supply, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 1,265,200 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 25,216 acres.
The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, although its condition assessment as of August 2016 was deemed satisfactory. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment indicate moderate risk level, with regular inspections conducted every two years. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has a moderate discharge capacity. With its significant role in water supply management and risk mitigation measures in place, Quabbin Winsor Dam continues to be a vital piece of infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts in Massachusetts.
Located in the Hampshire County of Massachusetts, Quabbin Winsor Dam serves as a critical component of the state's water supply infrastructure. Managed by state agencies, the dam's construction and operational activities are closely monitored to ensure public safety and comply with regulatory guidelines. Its impressive storage capacity and strategic location contribute to its importance in water management, making it a key asset for climate and water resource enthusiasts interested in sustainable infrastructure development and risk mitigation strategies.
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 Quabbin Winsor Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Swift River At West Ware | 44 cfs | → |
| Ware River At Gibbs Crossing | 333 cfs | → |
| Quaboag River At West Brimfield | 267 cfs | → |
| East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick | 85 cfs | → |
| Chicopee River At Indian Orchard | 1,030 cfs | → |
| West Branch Swift River Near Shutesbury | 14 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Quabbin Winsor Dam.
Boat launches
- Walter Drive 2-98, Ware
- Red Bridge Road 16, Wilbraham
- Dana Road, Petersham
- Hardwick Road, Hardwick
- Cottage Street 2-38, West Brookfield
- Water Street 266-334, Springfield
Campgrounds
- Westover Arb Military
- Federated Womens' Club State Forest Primitive Campsite
- Koa Weathampton
- Erving State Forest
- Barton Cove
- Wilderness Lake Campground
Paddle runs
- Begins Below The Tailrace Of The Rainbow Dam To The Confluence With The Connecticut River
- The Massachusetts-Connecticut State Line In Hartland To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem
- The Confluence Of The East And West Branches To The Confluence With The Farmington River In East Granby
- The Hartland Headwaters To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem
- New Hartford/Canton Town Line To The Confluence With The Nepaug River
- The Confluence With The Nepaug River To A Point 0.2 Miles Below The Lower Collinsville Dam Tailrace
Track Quabbin Winsor 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 Quabbin Winsor Dam
Where does the data for Quabbin Winsor 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 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 Quabbin Winsor Dam.