Yawgoog Pond
Key Takeaway
Yawgoog Pond is classified as high hazard in Rhode Island. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 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 | 14 ft (taller than 61.3% in RI) |
| Dam Length | 250 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 990 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 924 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 150 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 175 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1885 (141 years old) |
| NID ID | RI01403 |
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
RHODE ISLAND BOY SCOUTS
Private
Nearby Dams
Long Pond
Washington, RI
Low Hazard 9 ftWincheck Pond
Washington, RI
Significant Hazard 8 ftGreen Falls Reservoir Dam
New London, CT
Significant Hazard 32 ftAshville Pond
Washington, RI
Significant Hazard 9 ftBlue Pond
Washington, RI
Significant Hazard 13 ftHoxie Farm Pond
Washington, RI
Significant Hazard 5 ftHarris Pond
Washington, RI
Significant Hazard 5 ftMt. Tom Wildlife Marsh
Washington, RI
Low Hazard 6 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Yawgoog Pond?
Yawgoog 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 Yawgoog Pond?
Yawgoog Pond is owned by RHODE ISLAND BOY SCOUTS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Yawgoog Pond built?
Yawgoog Pond was completed in 1885, making it 141 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 Yawgoog Pond?
Yawgoog Pond 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 Yawgoog Pond?
Yawgoog Pond has a dam height of 14 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 Yawgoog Pond last inspected?
Yawgoog Pond was last inspected on April 24, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.