Simmons Pond
Simmons Pond is a rockfill dam located in Newport County, Rhode Island, built in 1800. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Simmons Pond
The primary purpose of Simmons Pond is fish and wildlife pond. The dam creates habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and potentially serving conservation goals. The dam is owned by Ri Dem Fish & Wildlife (state). It impounds the Cold Brook near Little Compton.
The dam stands 9 feet tall and stretches 180 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 35 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 90 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1800, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam.
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Location
| State | Rhode Island |
| County | Newport |
| Nearest City | Little Compton |
| River/Stream | Cold Brook |
| Coordinates | 41.53643, -71.14758 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 9 ft |
| Dam Height | 7 ft |
| Dam Length | 180 ft |
| Year Completed | 1800 (226 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 90 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 90 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 61 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 35 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 550 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fish and Wildlife Pond |
| Owner | RI DEM FISH & WILDLIFE |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | RI01801 |
| Federal ID | RI01801 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |