Potter Hill is a private dam located in Rhode Island along the Pawcatuck River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1903, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 280 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 204 acres, the dam serves a primary purpose other than flood control or water supply. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of October 2017 was deemed poor, raising concerns about its structural integrity and the need for maintenance and repairs.
The Potter Hill dam spans 112 feet in length and has a spillway width of 81 feet. Although it has not undergone recent inspections or maintenance, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 5,457 cubic feet per second. Situated in Washington County, the dam's condition assessment, coupled with its poor maintenance history, underscores the importance of regular monitoring and upkeep to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this vital water resource infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions and potential risks associated with dam failure.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, enthusiasts and stakeholders alike must prioritize the upkeep and maintenance of dams like Potter Hill to mitigate potential risks and ensure the reliability of water storage and flood control systems. With its historical significance and vital role in managing water resources along the Pawcatuck River, Potter Hill serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring to safeguard against the potential impacts of climate change on our water supply and infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1903 |
Dam Length |
112 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
PAWCATUCK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
36 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
204 |
Nid Storage |
280 |
Structural Height |
11 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
11 |
Pawcatuck River At Westerly
|
450cfs |
Pendleton Hill Brook Near Clarks Falls
|
8cfs |
Pawcatuck River At Wood River Junction
|
134cfs |
Wood River At Hope Valley
|
121cfs |
Pawcatuck River
|
87cfs |
Beaver River Near Usquepaug
|
14cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Mystic KOA Holiday
|
||
315 - Burlingham
|
||
Camp Watchaug (Westerly YMCA)
|