Pilchs #3 Dam Dam
Pilchs #3 Dam
Pilchs #3 Dam, located in Ware, Massachusetts, is a privately owned structure designed for recreational purposes. The dam, completed in 1948, stands at a height of 15.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 85.9 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 57.2 acre-feet. It is classified as an earth dam with a buttress core type, and it spans 700 feet across a tributary of Beaver Brook.
Although the dam has a low hazard potential, its condition assessment in 2009 rated it as "fair," indicating that some maintenance or upgrades may be necessary. The risk assessment for Pilchs #3 Dam is classified as very high (1), suggesting that there may be potential risks associated with the structure. The state of Massachusetts regulates the dam, with the Department of Conservation and Recreation overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the Hampshire County area of Massachusetts may find Pilchs #3 Dam to be an interesting case study in dam management and recreational use. With its unique design and historical significance, this dam serves as a valuable asset for both local residents and visitors seeking outdoor recreational opportunities in the region.
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 Pilchs #3 Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Ware River At Gibbs Crossing | 50 cfs | → |
| Swift River At West Ware | 49 cfs | → |
| Quaboag River At West Brimfield | 53 cfs | → |
| East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick | 3 cfs | → |
| Chicopee River At Indian Orchard | 246 cfs | → |
| Quinebaug R Bl E Brimfield Dam At Fiskdale | 23 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Pilchs #3 Dam.
Boat launches
See all →
Campgrounds
See all →
River runs
See all →
About Pilchs #3 Dam
Where does the data for Pilchs #3 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 below 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.
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.