Watson, Harold E, Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Watson, Harold E, Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 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 | 34 ft (taller than 96.8% in RI) |
| Dam Length | 760 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 7.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 375 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| NID ID | RI01802 |
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
NEWPORT, CITY OF
Local Government
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High Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Watson, Harold E, Reservoir?
Watson, Harold E, 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 Watson, Harold E, Reservoir?
Watson, Harold E, Reservoir is owned by NEWPORT, CITY OF (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Watson, Harold E, Reservoir built?
Watson, Harold E, Reservoir was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Watson, Harold E, Reservoir?
Watson, Harold E, Reservoir 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 Watson, Harold E, Reservoir?
Watson, Harold E, Reservoir has a dam height of 34 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 Watson, Harold E, Reservoir last inspected?
Watson, Harold E, Reservoir was last inspected on September 4, 2013. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.