Chapin Pond Dam
Chapin Pond
Chapin Pond, located in Hampden, Massachusetts, is a gravity dam built in 1900 primarily used for irrigation purposes. Situated on Pond Brook, this dam has a height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 12.6 feet, with a storage capacity of 322 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.
With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Chapin Pond provides a reliable water source for irrigation, recreation, and water supply in the area. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating some potential vulnerabilities that may require risk management measures in the future. Despite its age, Chapin Pond continues to serve its purpose effectively, with a storage capacity of 154 acre-feet under normal conditions and a drainage area of 3.99 square miles.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chapin Pond offers a glimpse into the intricate infrastructure that supports water management in Massachusetts. As a key component of the local water supply system, this dam plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation and recreation while also being subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance efforts, Chapin Pond stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the region.
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 Chapin Pond -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Westfield River Near Westfield | 96 cfs | → |
| Connecticut R At Interstate 391 Bridge At Holyoke | 3,510 cfs | → |
| Chicopee River At Indian Orchard | 238 cfs | → |
| Middle B Westfield River At Goss Heights | 8 cfs | → |
| West Branch Westfield River At Huntington | 19 cfs | → |
| Mill River At Northampton | 9 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Chapin Pond.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Chapin Pond
Where does the data for Chapin Pond 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 below 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.
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.