Wood River Junction

MEADOW BROOK· Washington, Rhode Island· Built 1860· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Wood River Junction is classified as significant hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1860 and is 166 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 31.5% in RI)
Dam Length520 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage60 acre-ft
Normal Storage36 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge480 cfs
Year Completed1860 (166 years old)
NID IDRI02902

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 1, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DS

Ownership

RI DOT

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wood River Junction?

Wood River Junction is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Wood River Junction?

Wood River Junction is owned by RI DOT (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wood River Junction built?

Wood River Junction was completed in 1860, making it 166 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 Wood River Junction?

Wood River Junction 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 Wood River Junction?

Wood River Junction 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.

When was Wood River Junction last inspected?

Wood River Junction was last inspected on November 1, 2016. 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.