Barre Falls Dam, also known as the Dry Reservoir, is a rockfill dam located in Barre, Massachusetts, along the Ware River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1958 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this dam stands at a height of 69 feet and has a storage capacity of 63,000 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a spillway width of 60 feet to manage excess water during high flow events. The dam's hazard potential is rated as high, and it is equipped with an emergency action plan to address potential risks.
As a federal structure, Barre Falls Dam is owned, funded, designed, constructed, regulated, and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The dam plays a crucial role in managing flood risks in the area, with a focus on continual monitoring, maintenance, and risk management measures to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. The Corps collaborates with local emergency managers and the community to raise awareness and develop emergency response plans in case of a dam-related emergency, making it a key player in water resource and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Overall, Barre Falls Dam serves as a vital flood control infrastructure in Worcester County, Massachusetts, protecting downstream communities from potential inundation. With its strategic location on the Ware River and proactive risk management approach, this dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation in safeguarding communities against natural disasters.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
885 |
Dam Height |
69 |
River Or Stream |
WARE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
1 |
Hydraulic Height |
64 |
Drainage Area |
55 |
Nid Storage |
63000 |
Structural Height |
69 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
69 |