Cranston Print Works Pond

POCASSET RIVER· Providence, Rhode Island· Built 1825· Masonry· 17 ft tall
High Hazard Other Private

Key Takeaway

Cranston Print Works Pond is classified as high hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1825 and is 201 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 17 ft (taller than 73.9% in RI)
Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage255 acre-ft
Normal Storage180 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area18 sq mi
Max Discharge1,715 cfs
Year Completed1825 (201 years old)
NID IDRI00701

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: March 28, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DS

Ownership

CRANSTON PRINT WORKS COMPANY

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cranston Print Works Pond?

Cranston Print Works Pond 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 Cranston Print Works Pond?

Cranston Print Works Pond is owned by CRANSTON PRINT WORKS COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cranston Print Works Pond built?

Cranston Print Works Pond was completed in 1825, making it 201 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 Cranston Print Works Pond?

Cranston Print Works Pond serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Cranston Print Works Pond?

Cranston Print Works Pond has a dam height of 17 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 Cranston Print Works Pond last inspected?

Cranston Print Works Pond was last inspected on March 28, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.