Arm Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam Dam
Arm Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam
Arm Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam, located in Westfield, Massachusetts, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the Arm Brook. Completed in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 57.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 980 acre-feet, providing crucial flood risk reduction for the surrounding area. Managed by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in October 2016.
With a drainage area of 3.9 square miles, the Arm Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the Hampden County community from potential flooding events. Its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates are designed to manage excess water flow, while its moderate risk assessment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts. As a key component of the flood control infrastructure in the region, this dam serves as a critical resource for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of engineering, environmental conservation, and public safety.
As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the importance of structures like the Arm Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam cannot be overstated. With its strategic location, storage capacity, and regulatory oversight, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of local and federal agencies to protect communities from the devastating effects of flooding. For those passionate about water resource management and climate resilience, the Arm Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam represents a tangible example of how infrastructure can play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems in the face of a changing climate.
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 Arm Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Westfield River Near Westfield | 107 cfs | → |
| Connecticut R At Interstate 391 Bridge At Holyoke | 4,010 cfs | → |
| West Branch Westfield River At Huntington | 20 cfs | → |
| Middle B Westfield River At Goss Heights | 8 cfs | → |
| Chicopee River At Indian Orchard | 246 cfs | → |
| Westfield River At Knightville | 49 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Arm Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Arm Brook Pl-566 Flood Control Dam
Where does the data for Arm Brook Pl-566 Flood Control 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 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.