Woonsocket Falls Dam
Key Takeaway
Woonsocket Falls Dam is classified as low hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 21 ft (taller than 84.7% in RI) |
| Dam Length | 268 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 369 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 33,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| NID ID | RI03902 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USACE - New England District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Harris Pond
Providence, RI
High Hazard 38 ftSylvester Pond
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Low Hazard 24 ftBlackstone River Saranac Dam At Canal Street
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 13 ftWoonsocket Reservoir # 1
Providence, RI
High Hazard 41 ftTodd's Pond
Providence, RI
Low Hazard 10 ftBlackstone
Worcester, RI
Low Hazard 12 ftTupperware
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 12 ftHolley Lane Pond
Providence, RI
High Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Woonsocket Falls Dam?
Woonsocket Falls Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Woonsocket Falls Dam?
Woonsocket Falls Dam is owned by USACE - New England District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Woonsocket Falls Dam built?
Woonsocket Falls Dam 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 Woonsocket Falls Dam?
Woonsocket Falls Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Woonsocket Falls Dam?
Woonsocket Falls Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Woonsocket Falls Dam last inspected?
Woonsocket Falls Dam was last inspected on September 27, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.