Middle Pond Dam #3 dam
Middle Pond Dam #3
Middle Pond Dam #3 is a state-regulated structure located in Taunton, Massachusetts, along the Thompson Brook. Built in 1969, the dam stands at a height of 10.5 feet with a storage capacity of 380 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is to support fish and wildlife populations in the area, making it a significant asset for conservation efforts in the region. However, the dam is currently rated as having a poor condition assessment, with a significant hazard potential due to its structural issues.
Despite its poor condition, Middle Pond Dam #3 remains a critical resource for the surrounding ecosystem, providing essential habitat for various species of fish and wildlife. The dam's controlled spillway and earth construction type make it a unique feature within the area, supporting both recreational activities and environmental conservation efforts. However, with a very high risk rating and a need for maintenance and repairs, the dam presents a challenge for local authorities to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure across the country, Middle Pond Dam #3 serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical structures for both human and environmental safety. With its location in a high-risk area and significant hazard potential, the dam underscores the need for proactive risk management measures and investment in infrastructure to adapt to changing conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to advocate for the protection and preservation of dams like Middle Pond Dam #3 to ensure the long-term sustainability of our waterways and ecosystems.
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 Middle Pond Dam #3 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Taunton River Near Bridgewater | 206 cfs | → |
| Threemile River At North Dighton | 68 cfs | → |
| Segreganset River Near Dighton | 3 cfs | → |
| Wading River Near Norton | 26 cfs | → |
| Jones River At Kingston | 15 cfs | → |
| Indian Head River At Hanover | 26 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Middle Pond Dam #3.
Boat launches
- Lakeside Drive 62-136, Bridgewater
- Boat Ramp Road Dighton
- Monponsett Street 470-556, Halifax
- Norton Reservoir Launch
- Brownell Street 2, Fall River
- 11th Avenue 22, Wareham
Track Middle Pond Dam #3 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 Middle Pond Dam #3
Where does the data for Middle Pond Dam #3 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 Middle Pond Dam #3.