Although we have had a few heavy rains, and certainly had enough snow melt from the winter, spring has been dry this year. I knew it in my head, but I didn’t really know how dry until we visited Manchaug today.

This first gallery is Manchaug, spring and summer 2011.

Spring in the Valley

2013

Manchaug Falls – 2011

It was dry. Under the little arched bridge, there was just mud. Except for a trickle, the stream is gone. The lake was reduced to puddles. The falls are gone.

I shot these pictures in May 2012. The previous winter had been without a single heavy snow. The dam was not quite dry, but certainly greatly reduced.

We all share the same aquifer, everywhere in Massachusetts. Although each of us has our own well, the source of our water is the same and I hope everyone will remember that and use water sparingly.

Manchaug won’t be gone forever. The water controllers probably closed a dam upstream to fill a lake for the Fourth of July festivities. Nonetheless, I find it unsettling. In the years I’ve been visiting Manchaug, I’ve never seen it so dry. Most of it is gone.

Dry river at Manchaug

Manchaug above the dam, June 2014

Remainder of stream

I hope we get some rain. Soon.

Categories: #BlackstoneRiver, #DamsAndWaterfalls, #gallery, #Photography, Blackstone Valley, Nature, Water, Weather

Tags: #Photography, Blackstone Valley, Manchaug, springtime, water