E. Branch Horseshoe Dam dam
E. Branch Horseshoe Dam
E. Branch Horseshoe Dam in Massachusetts is a state-regulated structure managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The primary purpose of the dam is to serve as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, providing recreational opportunities and habitat for local wildlife. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam stands at a height of 31.5 feet with a hydraulic height of 14 feet, storing a normal capacity of 15,198 acre-feet of water over a surface area of 0.86 acres.
Located in Hardwick, Worcester County, E. Branch Horseshoe Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting the surrounding ecosystem. With a drainage area of 43.7 square miles, the dam helps regulate the flow of water and provides a controlled release through an uncontrolled spillway. Despite being last inspected in 2009, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure its continued safety and functionality for both wildlife and recreation enthusiasts in the area.
Overall, E. Branch Horseshoe Dam stands as a vital piece of infrastructure in Massachusetts, contributing to the conservation of natural resources and providing a space for outdoor activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper maintenance and regulation of dams like E. Branch Horseshoe become increasingly important in sustaining the delicate balance of ecosystems and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. With its designated purpose and state oversight, this dam serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water management, climate resilience, and environmental conservation efforts.
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 E. Branch Horseshoe Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| East Branch Swift River Near Hardwick | 60 cfs | → |
| West Branch Swift River Near Shutesbury | 12 cfs | → |
| Ware River At Intake Works Near Barre | 120 cfs | → |
| Swift River At West Ware | 43 cfs | → |
| Ware River At Gibbs Crossing | 232 cfs | → |
| Ware River Near Barre | 79 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near E. Branch Horseshoe Dam.
Boat launches
- Dana Road, Petersham
- Hardwick Road, Hardwick
- Walter Drive 2-98, Ware
- Regulating Dam Road, New Salem
- Cottage Street 2-38, West Brookfield
- Main Street 2010, Athol
Campgrounds
- Federated Womens' Club State Forest Primitive Campsite
- Erving State Forest
- Tully Lake
- Beaman Pond Campground
- Otter River State Forest
- East Dennison Camping Area
Paddle runs
- The Massachusetts-Connecticut State Line In Hartland To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem
- Begins Below The Tailrace Of The Rainbow Dam To The Confluence With The Connecticut River
- The Confluence Of The East And West Branches To The Confluence With The Farmington River In East Granby
- The Hartland Headwaters To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem
- Headwaters To Confluence With West River (End Of Sherman Road)
- Headwaters To North Of Searsburg Reservoir
Track E. Branch Horseshoe 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 E. Branch Horseshoe Dam
Where does the data for E. Branch Horseshoe 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 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 E. Branch Horseshoe Dam.