Silver Spring Lake
Key Takeaway
Silver Spring Lake is classified as high hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 154 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 126 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 108 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 18 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 429 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1885 (141 years old) |
| NID ID | RI02301 |
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 FISH & WILDLIFE
State Government
Nearby Dams
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Significant Hazard 10 ftRodman Mill
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High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Silver Spring Lake?
Silver Spring Lake 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 Silver Spring Lake?
Silver Spring Lake is owned by RI DEM FISH & WILDLIFE (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Silver Spring Lake built?
Silver Spring Lake 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 Silver Spring Lake?
Silver Spring Lake serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Silver Spring Lake?
Silver Spring Lake 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 Silver Spring Lake last inspected?
Silver Spring Lake was last inspected on August 7, 2013. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.