Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #1 dam
Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #1
Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #1 is a private-owned hydroelectric structure located in Monroe Bridge, Massachusetts, along the scenic Deerfield River. Built in 1910, this Earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet and spans a length of 6681 feet, with a storage capacity of 818 acre-feet. Despite its age, this dam has a low hazard potential and is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for inspections and regulations.
With a drainage area of 237 square miles, Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #1 plays a vital role in harnessing the hydropower potential of the region while also providing essential water resource management for the surrounding area. Although the spillway type is listed as 'None', the dam's infrastructure and design have been deemed sound, with a risk assessment rating of High (2) indicating the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures.
As a significant feature in the hydroelectric landscape of Massachusetts, Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #1 serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of water resource development in the state. Its historical significance, combined with its operational efficiency and low hazard potential, make it a compelling subject for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure, energy, and environmental stewardship.
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 Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #1 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Deerfield River At Charlemont | 240 cfs | → |
| Hoosic River Near Williamstown | 142 cfs | → |
| Hoosic River At Adams | 52 cfs | → |
| Green River At Williamstown | 58 cfs | → |
| North River At Shattuckville | 68 cfs | → |
| Green River Near Colrain | 42 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #1 .
Boat launches
- Ashton Avenue North Adams
- Fairview Avenue 298, Wilmington
- South Stream Access Area Road Pownal
- Pine Ridge Drive 27, Pownal
- Lake Raponda Road Wilmington
- Somerset
Campgrounds
- Mohawk Trail State Forest
- Clarksburg State Park
- Savoy Mountain State Forest
- Historic Valley
- Sherman Brook Campsite
- Windsor State Forest
Track Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #1 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 Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #1
Where does the data for Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #1 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 Deerfield No. 5 - Canal #1 .