Ware Upper
Ware Upper 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 Upper
The primary purpose of Ware Upper 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 34 feet tall and stretches 250 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 65 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 210 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.
At 34 feet, this dam is taller than 80% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Hampshire |
| Nearest City | Ware |
| River/Stream | Ware River |
| Coordinates | 42.26160, -72.23520 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Length | 250 ft |
| Year Completed | 1890 (136 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 210 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 210 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 210 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 65 acres |
| Drainage Area | 167 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,500 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 | MA00594 |
| Federal ID | MA00594 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |