Arctic
Arctic is a masonry dam located in Kent County, Rhode Island, built in 1885. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Arctic
Arctic is a dam in Kent, Rhode Island. The dam is owned by Natco Products Corporation (private). It impounds the South Branch Pawtuxet River near West Warwick.
The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 174 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 194 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 194 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 73 square miles. Completed in 1885, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Rhode Island dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Rhode Island |
| County | Kent |
| Nearest City | West Warwick |
| River/Stream | South Branch Pawtuxet River |
| Coordinates | 41.70670, -71.52050 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Length | 174 ft |
| Year Completed | 1885 (141 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 194 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 194 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 173 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 194 acres |
| Drainage Area | 73 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,080 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | Natco Products Corporation |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | RI03802 |
| Federal ID | RI03802 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |