Potter Hill Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Potter Hill is a private dam located in Rhode Island along the Pawcatuck River.


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Summary

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
       
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.