Rhode Island has 34 high hazard dams with a condition assessment of poor or unsatisfactory. These are dams where failure would probably cause loss of human life and where recognized safety deficiencies have been identified.
Of the 95 high hazard dams in Rhode Island, 34 (35%) have concerning condition ratings — 34 rated poor and 0 rated unsatisfactory.
Condition scale, best to worst
- Satisfactory No existing or potential safety deficiencies recognized; acceptable performance expected under all loading conditions.
- Fair No deficiencies under normal operating conditions; a rare flood or earthquake could create one.
- Poor A safety deficiency is recognized under normal operating conditions; remedial action is necessary.
- Unsatisfactory Worst rating. The dam is considered unsafe; a deficiency requires immediate or emergency remedial action.
"Not rated" means no assessment is on file in the National Inventory of Dams.
| Dam | County | Height (ft) | Condition | Last inspected | Purpose | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almy Reservoir | Providence | 33 | Poor | Not reported | Other | 1865 |
| Pascoag Reservoir Upper | Providence | 27 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1860 |
| Hawkins Pond | Providence | 24 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1865 |
| Flat River Reservoir | Kent | 24 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1873 |
| Centerville Pond | Kent | 23 | Poor | Not reported | Other | 1885 |
| Hughesdale Pond Upper | Providence | 22 | Poor | Not reported | Other | |
| Harrisville Pond | Providence | 22 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1854 |
| Forestdale Pond | Providence | 20 | Poor | Not reported | 1883 | |
| Gardiner Pond | Newport | 20 | Poor | Not reported | Water Supply | 1885 |
| Oak Swamp Reservoir | Providence | 20 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1865 |
| Waterman Lake | Providence | 19 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1837 |
| Sprague Lower Reservoir | Providence | 19 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1822 |
| Curran Lower Reservoir | Providence | 17 | Poor | Not reported | Fish and Wildlife Pond | 1950 |
| Grist Mill Apartments | Kent | 16 | Poor | 07/11/201610 yrs ago | ||
| Simmons Upper Reservoir | Providence | 16 | Poor | Not reported | Debris Control | 1865 |
| Coventry Reservoir | Kent | 15 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1875 |
| Tiogue Lake | Kent | 15 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1875 |
| Keech Pond | Providence | 15 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1952 |
| Clarkville Pond | Providence | 14 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1872 |
| Handy Pond Upper | Providence | 12 | Poor | Not reported | Other | |
| Wilbur Pond | Providence | 12 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1854 |
| St Marys Pond | Newport | 12 | Poor | Not reported | Water Supply | 1878 |
| Burlingame Reservoir Upper | Providence | 12 | Poor | Not reported | Fish and Wildlife Pond | 1885 |
| Spear Pond | Providence | 11 | Poor | Not reported | Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond | |
| Black Rock Reservoir | Kent | 11 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1885 |
| Hefler Farm Pond | Washington | 11 | Poor | Not reported | Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond | 1972 |
| Wakefield Pond | Washington | 9 | Poor | 06/04/201016 yrs ago | Other | |
| Holley Lane Pond | Providence | 8 | Poor | Not reported | ||
| Lake Washington | Providence | 6 | Poor | Not reported | Recreation | 1930 |
| Bridlewood Upper End | Providence | 5 | Poor | Not reported | ||
| Bowdish Lower | Providence | 0 | Poor | Not reported | ||
| Rodman Mill | Washington | 0 | Poor | Not reported | ||
| Louisquisset Flood Control | Providence | 0 | Poor | 03/28/20179 yrs ago | Flood Risk Reduction | |
| Slocum Road Upper | Washington | 0 | Poor | 04/21/201610 yrs ago |