Ware Lower
Ware Lower is a masonry dam located in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, built in 1890. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Ware Lower
The primary purpose of Ware Lower is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Pioneer Hydro Electric Company, Inc. (private). It impounds the Ware River near Ware.
The dam stands 18 feet tall and stretches 116 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 11 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 110 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 167 square miles. Completed in 1890, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 08/02/2022.
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Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Hampshire |
| Nearest City | Ware |
| River/Stream | Ware River |
| Coordinates | 42.25853, -72.23878 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Height | 18 ft |
| Dam Length | 116 ft |
| Year Completed | 1890 (136 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 110 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 110 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 110 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 167 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,080 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Pioneer Hydro Electric Company, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/02/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MA83012 |
| Federal ID | MA83012 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |