Map of All 235 Rhode Island Dams
Rhode Island has 235 dams in the National Inventory of Dams — and 95 are classified as high hazard (40% of the state’s total), meaning failure would likely cause loss of life. 34 Rhode Island dams are both high-hazard and in poor or unsatisfactory condition.
Use the interactive Rhode Island dams map below to explore every dam in the state, color-coded by hazard level. Click any dam for its condition assessment, last inspection date, and Emergency Action Plan status. Or view the full US Dams interactive map to compare Rhode Island to every other state.
Hazard
Condition
Purpose
Rhode Island Dams by the Numbers
- 235 total dams in Rhode Island
- 95 high hazard — failure would likely cause loss of life
- 81 significant hazard
- 59 low hazard
- 126 in poor or unsatisfactory condition (126 poor, 0 unsatisfactory)
- 34 Rhode Island dams are both high-hazard AND in poor/unsatisfactory condition
Data source: US Army Corps of Engineers, National Inventory of Dams (NID).
The Tallest Dams in Rhode Island
The tallest dam in Rhode Island is Gainer Memorial at 189 feet, completed in 1926. The 10 tallest Rhode Island dams from the National Inventory of Dams:
| Dam | Height | Year | Primary Purpose | Condition | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gainer Memorial | 189 ft | 1926 | Water Supply | Fair | Providence |
| Diamond Hill Reservoir | 80 ft | 1971 | Water Supply | Fair | Providence |
| James V Turner Reservoir | 60 ft | 1934 | Recreation | Fair | Providence |
| Lawton Valley Reservoir | 48 ft | 1943 | Water Supply | Fair | Newport |
| Woonsocket Reservoir # 1 | 47 ft | 1883 | Water Supply | Fair | Providence |
| Harris Pond | 40 ft | 1969 | Water Supply | Fair | Providence |
| Stillwater Reservoir | 39 ft | 1918 | Fish and Wildlife Pond | Fair | Providence |
| Watson, Harold E, Reservoir | 38 ft | 1960 | Water Supply | Fair | Newport |
| Ocean State Power | 36 ft | – | Other | Fair | Providence |
| Slatersville Reservoir Upper | 36 ft | 1886 | – | Fair | Providence |
High-Hazard Rhode Island Dams in Poor Condition
The most concerning dams are those classified as high-hazard that also carry a Poor or Unsatisfactory condition rating — 34 dams in Rhode Island. Notable examples:
- Almy Reservoir (33 ft, Providence County) — Other, Poor condition
- Pascoag Reservoir Upper (27 ft, Providence County) — Recreation, Poor condition
- Hawkins Pond (24 ft, Providence County) — Recreation, Poor condition
- Flat River Reservoir (24 ft, Kent County) — Recreation, Poor condition
- Centerville Pond (23 ft, Kent County) — Other, Poor condition
Filter the interactive US Dams map by hazard and condition to see all of them on one view.
Dam Safety in Rhode Island
Dam safety in Rhode Island is overseen by the state dam safety program, in coordination with federal regulators: the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation (for federal water projects), the Tennessee Valley Authority where applicable, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for licensed hydropower dams. Emergency Action Plans are typically required for high-hazard dams under state regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dams are in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has 235 dams in the National Inventory of Dams tracked by the US Army Corps of Engineers: 95 high hazard, 81 significant hazard, and 59 low hazard.
What is the tallest dam in Rhode Island?
The tallest dam in Rhode Island is Gainer Memorial at 189 feet, completed in 1926. It is primarily a water supply structure.
How many Rhode Island dams are in poor condition?
126 Rhode Island dams are currently rated as being in Poor or Unsatisfactory condition. Of those, 34 are also classified as high-hazard — meaning failure would likely cause loss of life.
