Whitehall Reservoir Distribution Dam Dam
Whitehall Reservoir Distribution Dam
The Whitehall Reservoir Distribution Dam in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, is a state-owned structure that serves as a vital component for fish and wildlife preservation in the area. Completed in 1990, this earth dam has a height of 14.5 feet and plays a key role in maintaining a normal storage capacity of 0.85 units. With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, this dam is regularly inspected to ensure its safety and functionality.
Located along Whitehall Brook in Middlesex County, the Whitehall Reservoir Distribution Dam contributes to the recreation and conservation efforts in the region. Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, this dam is designed to support the ecological balance of the area while providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Despite its moderate risk assessment, measures are in place to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the proper management of this essential water resource infrastructure.
As part of the New England District, the Whitehall Reservoir Distribution Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience. With its primary purpose focused on fish and wildlife preservation, this dam showcases the intersection of environmental stewardship and community engagement. By adhering to state regulations and undergoing regular inspections, this structure continues to serve as a valuable asset in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem while offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
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 Whitehall Reservoir Distribution Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstone River At Northbridge | 1,000 cfs | → |
| Quinsigamond River At North Grafton | 7 cfs | → |
| West River Below West Hill Dam | 1 cfs | → |
| Sudbury River At Saxonville | 68 cfs | → |
| Lake Cochituate Outlet At Framingham | 2 cfs | → |
| Blackstone River | 45 cfs | → |
About Whitehall Reservoir Distribution Dam
Where does the data for Whitehall Reservoir Distribution 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 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.