New Bedford Reservoir Dam dam
New Bedford Reservoir Dam
Located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, the New Bedford Reservoir Dam plays a crucial role in irrigation and recreation, serving as a primary source of water for the Acushnet River. Built in 1867, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 2265 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource for the surrounding area. Despite being classified as having a fair condition assessment, the dam poses a significant hazard potential, prompting regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity.
Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the New Bedford Reservoir Dam is state-regulated and inspected to meet permitting and enforcement requirements. With a surface area of 217.6 acres and a drainage area of 7.2 square miles, this dam not only provides water for irrigation but also offers recreational opportunities for the local community. Although it has an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam's moderate risk assessment (rated 3 out of 5) suggests the need for ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure public safety.
In the picturesque town of Acushnet, the New Bedford Reservoir Dam stands as a historical landmark that continues to play a vital role in water resource management. With its strategic location on the Acushnet River, this dam not only supports agricultural activities but also provides a scenic backdrop for outdoor recreation. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of this dam become increasingly important to ensure sustainable water supply and environmental preservation in the region.
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 New Bedford Reservoir Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Paskamanset River Near South Dartmouth | 9 cfs | → |
| Taunton River Near Bridgewater | 213 cfs | → |
| Segreganset River Near Dighton | 4 cfs | → |
| Threemile River At North Dighton | 75 cfs | → |
| Jones River At Kingston | 16 cfs | → |
| Wading River Near Norton | 30 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near New Bedford Reservoir Dam.
Track New Bedford 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 New Bedford Reservoir Dam
Where does the data for New Bedford 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 Significant 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 New Bedford Reservoir Dam.