Sprague Lower Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Sprague Lower Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1822 and is 204 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 | 15 ft (taller than 66.7% in RI) |
| Dam Length | 250 ft |
| Max Storage | 255 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 165 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 30 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1822 (204 years old) |
| NID ID | RI03109 |
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
Private
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Low Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sprague Lower Reservoir?
Sprague Lower 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 Sprague Lower Reservoir?
Sprague Lower Reservoir is owned by information not available (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sprague Lower Reservoir built?
Sprague Lower Reservoir was completed in 1822, making it 204 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 Sprague Lower Reservoir?
Sprague Lower 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 Sprague Lower Reservoir?
Sprague Lower Reservoir has a dam height of 15 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 Sprague Lower Reservoir last inspected?
Sprague Lower Reservoir was last inspected on May 4, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.