Somerset Reservoir Dam dam
Somerset Reservoir Dam
Somerset Reservoir Dam, located in Somerset, Massachusetts, stands as a vital structure for water supply purposes, serving as a barrier on Labor in Vain Brook. Completed in 1965, this concrete dam boasts a height of 48 feet and a hydraulic height of 45 feet, with a storage capacity of 3,032 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to ensure a reliable water source for the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 2,324 acre-feet and a surface area of 0.26 square miles.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Somerset Reservoir Dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to maintain its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 rated it as fair. Additionally, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway type and has a moderate risk assessment level. With its critical role in water resource management and climate resilience, Somerset Reservoir Dam remains a key infrastructure for the community it serves.
In the event of emergencies, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is periodically reviewed and updated to meet guidelines, ensuring that appropriate risk management measures are in place. With a hazard potential of high and a risk assessment of moderate, the authorities are committed to safeguarding the dam and the surrounding area from potential threats. As a notable feature in the water resource landscape, Somerset Reservoir Dam exemplifies the importance of proactive maintenance and risk mitigation strategies in safeguarding vital infrastructure amidst changing climate conditions.
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 Somerset Reservoir Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Segreganset River Near Dighton | 0 cfs | → |
| Threemile River At North Dighton | 26 cfs | → |
| Ten Mile River At Pawtucket Ave @ E Providence | 27 cfs | → |
| Wading River Near Norton | 17 cfs | → |
| Taunton River Near Bridgewater | 112 cfs | → |
| Moshassuck River At Providence | 11 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Somerset Reservoir Dam.
Boat launches
- Boat Ramp Road Dighton
- Brownell Street 2, Fall River
- Jefferson Saint Extension, Fall River
- Henry Street 1, Fall River
- Bristol Narrows
- Walker Farm
Track Somerset Reservoir 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 Somerset Reservoir Dam
Where does the data for Somerset Reservoir 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 Somerset Reservoir Dam.