Potter Hill

PAWCATUCK RIVER· Washington, Rhode Island· Built 1903· Earth· 10 ft tall
Low Hazard Other Private

Key Takeaway

Potter Hill is classified as low hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1903 and is 123 years old. Its primary use is other.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 31.5% in RI)
Dam Length112 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage280 acre-ft
Normal Storage204 acre-ft
Surface Area36 acres
Drainage Area204 sq mi
Max Discharge5,457 cfs
Year Completed1903 (123 years old)
NID IDRI01409

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: No

Ownership

RENEWABLE RESOURCES, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Potter Hill?

Potter Hill is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Potter Hill?

Potter Hill is owned by RENEWABLE RESOURCES, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Potter Hill built?

Potter Hill was completed in 1903, making it 123 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 Potter Hill?

Potter Hill 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 Potter Hill?

Potter Hill has a dam height of 10 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.

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.