Cunliff Pond

MASHAPAUG BROOK· Providence, Rhode Island· Built 1885· Gravity· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Cunliff Pond is classified as significant hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 49.1% in RI)
Dam Length20 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage168 acre-ft
Normal Storage140 acre-ft
Surface Area35 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge80 cfs
Year Completed1885 (141 years old)
NID IDRI02802

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 13, 2013
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DS

Ownership

PROVIDENCE, CITY OF

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cunliff Pond?

Cunliff Pond is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Cunliff Pond?

Cunliff Pond is owned by PROVIDENCE, CITY OF (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cunliff Pond built?

Cunliff Pond was completed in 1885, making it 141 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 Cunliff Pond?

Cunliff Pond 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 Cunliff Pond?

Cunliff Pond 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 Cunliff Pond last inspected?

Cunliff Pond was last inspected on September 13, 2013. 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.