Bowdish Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Bowdish Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1850 and is 176 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 12 ft (taller than 49.1% in RI) |
| Dam Length | 240 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 706 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 126 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 327 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1850 (176 years old) |
| NID ID | RI01308 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
RI DEM FORESTRY
State Government
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High Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bowdish Reservoir?
Bowdish Reservoir is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bowdish Reservoir?
Bowdish Reservoir is owned by RI DEM FORESTRY (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bowdish Reservoir built?
Bowdish Reservoir was completed in 1850, making it 176 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bowdish Reservoir?
Bowdish Reservoir serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bowdish Reservoir?
Bowdish Reservoir has a dam height of 12 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bowdish Reservoir last inspected?
Bowdish Reservoir was last inspected on May 1, 2014. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.