Neponset Reservoir Dam dam
Neponset Reservoir Dam
Located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Neponset Reservoir Dam is a key structure along the Neponset River, serving primarily for recreational purposes. Completed in 2009, this earth dam stands at a height of 10.2 feet and has a storage capacity of 2500 acre-feet, with a surface area of 315 acres. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, with state regulations and inspections in place to ensure its safety and functionality.
With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in April 2016, the Neponset Reservoir Dam presents moderate risks that are managed through appropriate measures. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and has a drainage area of 1.69 square miles. While the structure has no associated locks or outlet gates, its location and design make it a vital component for water resource management and climate enthusiasts interested in the Neponset River watershed.
The Neponset Reservoir Dam, with its picturesque setting and recreational value, stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in ensuring the well-being of both the environment and local communities. Enthusiasts interested in the intersection of water resources and climate change will find this dam a fascinating subject for study and appreciation, highlighting the crucial role such structures play in managing water flow, storage, and conservation in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
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 Neponset Reservoir Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Neponset River At Norwood | 21 cfs | → |
| East Branch Neponset River At Canton | 25 cfs | → |
| Charles River At Medway | 74 cfs | → |
| Wading River Near Norton | 26 cfs | → |
| Neponset River At Greenlodge St Near Canton | 85 cfs | → |
| Charles River At Dover | 157 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Neponset Reservoir Dam.
Boat launches
- Beach Street Sharon
- Norton Reservoir Launch
- Falls Pond
- Blue Trail Sherborn
- Bridge Street 1, Dover
- Lake Street Sherborn
Track Neponset 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 Neponset Reservoir Dam
Where does the data for Neponset 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 Neponset Reservoir Dam.