Silver Spring Lake dam
Silver Spring Lake
Silver Spring Lake in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, is a picturesque Earth dam structure built in 1885 along the Mattatuxet River. With a height of 12 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 126 acre-feet, the lake primarily serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond for recreational purposes. However, this serene water resource also poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of May 2018.
Despite its potential risks, Silver Spring Lake remains a popular spot for water and climate enthusiasts seeking to explore the beauty of Rhode Island's natural landscape. The dam's structural height of 12 feet and length of 154 feet, coupled with a surface area of 18 acres and a drainage area of 2 square miles, provide a unique opportunity for visitors to engage in outdoor activities such as fishing, wildlife observation, and boating. Additionally, the lake's location within the New England District offers a tranquil escape for those looking to immerse themselves in the region's rich ecological diversity.
As the state-regulated dam undergoes periodic inspections and enforcement measures, there is a continued effort to ensure the safety and maintenance of Silver Spring Lake for both wildlife and recreation enthusiasts. Despite its poor condition assessment, the dam's historic significance and natural beauty make it a valuable resource for the community and a vital component of Rhode Island's water ecosystem. Whether it's for birdwatching, hiking, or simply appreciating the serene surroundings, Silver Spring Lake offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of water conservation in the face of changing climate patterns.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Silver Spring Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Queen R At Liberty Rd At Liberty Ri | 15 cfs | → |
| Chipuxet River At West Kingston | 8 cfs | → |
| Hunt River Near East Greenwich | 22 cfs | → |
| Usquepaug River Near Usquepaug | 40 cfs | → |
| Beaver River Near Usquepaug | 12 cfs | → |
| Pawcatuck River | 105 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Silver Spring Lake.
Boat launches
- Indian Lake State Boat Launch
- Fort Getty
- Barber Pond
- Jamestown
- Sandy Bottom Shores Drive Peacedale
- Fort Wetherill Road Jamestown
Campgrounds
- Camp Hoffman
- Camp Watchaug (Westerly Ymca)
- 315 - Burlingham
- Mystic Koa Holiday
- Dyer Woods Nudist Campgrounds
- George Washington State Campground
Fishing spots
Track Silver Spring Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Silver Spring Lake
Where does the data for Silver Spring Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Silver Spring Lake.