Wilbur Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wilbur Pond in Glocester, Rhode Island, is a privately owned gravity dam completed in 1854 for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 12 feet and a length of 150 feet, this dam on Mary Brown Brook provides a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 24 acres. The dam's spillway width is 10 feet, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 50 cubic feet per second.

Despite being rated as having a high hazard potential, Wilbur Pond's condition assessment was deemed fair as of October 2017. The dam is inspected every two years, with the last inspection conducted in April 2015. While the dam is state-regulated and permitted, it is owned by a private entity. The location falls under the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island regulatory agency, with enforcement, inspection, and permitting handled by the state.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wilbur Pond serves as a significant recreational water source in Providence County, Rhode Island. Its historical significance, combined with its functional design and storage capacity, make it a valuable asset for the community. The dam's presence on Mary Brown Brook contributes to the local ecosystem and provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Despite its age and hazard potential, Wilbur Pond continues to be a cherished resource for the region, inviting visitors to appreciate the intersection of human engineering and natural beauty in a sustainable manner.

Year Completed

1854

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

MARY BROWN BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

100

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.