St Marys Pond

LAWTON VALLEY BROOK· Newport, Rhode Island· Built 1878· Rockfill· 12 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

St Marys Pond is classified as high hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1878 and is 148 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 Length2,288 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage1.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.0K acre-ft
Surface Area117 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge375 cfs
Year Completed1878 (148 years old)
NID IDRI02703

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 12, 2013
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DS

Ownership

NEWPORT, CITY OF

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of St Marys Pond?

St Marys Pond 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 St Marys Pond?

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

When was St Marys Pond built?

St Marys Pond was completed in 1878, making it 148 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 St Marys Pond?

St Marys Pond serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is St Marys Pond?

St Marys 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 St Marys Pond last inspected?

St Marys Pond was last inspected on September 12, 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.