Bents Pond Dam dam
Bents Pond Dam
Bents Pond Dam, located in Hubbardston, Massachusetts, was completed in 1900 and serves as a recreational and water supply structure. Standing at a height of 13 feet with a hydraulic height of 9 feet, the dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 200 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 72 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, attracting enthusiasts of water resources and climate to enjoy its tranquil surroundings.
Despite its age, Bents Pond Dam has been well-maintained and is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Massachusetts. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam presents a moderate risk, according to a recent assessment. While there are no associated structures or locks, the dam's uncontrolled spillway ensures proper discharge of water, maintaining safety and efficiency for nearby residents and visitors.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bents Pond Dam offers a glimpse into the history of water management in Massachusetts while providing a recreational space for outdoor activities. With its tranquil setting and well-maintained condition, the dam stands as a testament to responsible stewardship and serves as a vital component of the local water supply infrastructure.
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 Bents Pond Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Otter River At Otter River | 97 cfs | → |
| Ware River Near Barre | 105 cfs | → |
| Birch Hill Reservoir At South Royalston | 30 cfs | → |
| Ware River At Intake Works Near Barre | 168 cfs | → |
| Millers River At South Royalston | 39 cfs | → |
| North Nashua River At Fitchburg | 111 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Bents Pond Dam.
Boat launches
- River Road Royalston
- Main Street 2010, Athol
- North Orange Road 52-534, Athol
- Whalom Lake Public Boat Ramp
- Doane Hill Road Royalston
- Regulating Dam Road, New Salem
Campgrounds
- Otter River State Forest
- Beaman Pond Campground
- East Dennison Camping Area
- Lake Dennison State Park
- North Dennison Camping Area
- Tully Lake
Paddle runs
- First Bridge Upstream On Route 100 To Confluence With West River
- Headwaters To Confluence With West River (End Of Sherman Road)
- Headwaters To First Bridge Upstream On Route 100
- Sewall's Island To Manchester Street Bridge
- Begins Below The Tailrace Of The Rainbow Dam To The Confluence With The Connecticut River
- Headwaters To North Of Searsburg Reservoir
Track Bents Pond 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 Bents Pond Dam
Where does the data for Bents Pond 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 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 Bents Pond Dam.