Flat River Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Flat River Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1873 and is 153 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 | 20 ft (taller than 82% in RI) |
| Dam Length | 750 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 12.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 950 acres |
| Drainage Area | 58 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1873 (153 years old) |
| NID ID | RI00601 |
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
QUIDNICK RESERVOIR COMPANY
Private
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Significant Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Flat River Reservoir?
Flat River 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 Flat River Reservoir?
Flat River Reservoir is owned by QUIDNICK RESERVOIR COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Flat River Reservoir built?
Flat River Reservoir was completed in 1873, making it 153 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 Flat River Reservoir?
Flat River 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 Flat River Reservoir?
Flat River Reservoir has a dam height of 20 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 Flat River Reservoir last inspected?
Flat River Reservoir was last inspected on May 18, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.