George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam dam
George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam
The George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam, also known as the A-1 Site or Assabet River Dam, is a significant structure located in Northborough, Massachusetts. Built in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 22.3 feet and serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, fish and wildlife habitat creation, and recreational activities. Situated on the Assabet River, this state-regulated dam is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
With a storage capacity of 6500 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6.9 square miles, the George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam provides essential flood control measures for Worcester County, Massachusetts. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates help regulate water levels and mitigate potential hazards, earning it a hazard potential rating of 'High' with a satisfactory condition assessment. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure the dam's structural integrity and emergency preparedness, with the last assessment conducted in March 2017.
Despite its age, the George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam continues to be a key asset for water resource management in the region, with a moderate risk level assigned. As a vital part of the state's flood risk reduction strategy, this dam showcases how multipurpose infrastructure can support environmental conservation, recreation, and public safety. With a rich history and ongoing commitment to excellence, the George H. Nichols Dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Massachusetts.
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 George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Quinsigamond River At North Grafton | 15 cfs | → |
| Blackstone River At Northbridge | 1,000 cfs | → |
| Blackstone River | 136 cfs | → |
| West River Below West Hill Dam | 1 cfs | → |
| Quinapoxet River At Canada Mills Near Holden | 27 cfs | → |
| Stillwater River Near Sterling | 22 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam.
Boat launches
- Chauncy Street 19, Westborough
- Emerald Bracelet, Northborough
- Bartlett Street 152, Northborough
- Wood Street 291-299, Hopkinton
- Brigham Hill Road Grafton
- Oak Island Boat Ramp
Track George H. Nichols Multipurpose 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 George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam
Where does the data for George H. Nichols Multipurpose 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 High 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 George H. Nichols Multipurpose Dam.