Rocky Brook Reservoir dam
Rocky Brook Reservoir
Rocky Brook Reservoir, located in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, is a significant earth dam structure with a height of 8 feet and a hydraulic height of 6 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 35 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres, serving as a vital water resource in the region. Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.
With a primary purpose classified as "Other," Rocky Brook Reservoir plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. The dam, constructed on the Rocky Brook stream, has a drainage area of 3 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 25 acre-feet. Despite being categorized as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," highlighting the need for further evaluation and risk management measures to be implemented.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the intricate details of Rocky Brook Reservoir's design, dimensions, and regulatory oversight provide a deeper understanding of its importance in the local ecosystem. The reservoir's association with the New England District and its location within the beautiful Washington County of Rhode Island make it a focal point for studying the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental conservation. Advocating for the sustainable management of this vital water source is essential for safeguarding the region's ecological balance and ensuring long-term water security for its residents.
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 Rocky Brook Reservoir -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chipuxet River At West Kingston | 9 cfs | → |
| Usquepaug River Near Usquepaug | 42 cfs | → |
| Pawcatuck River | 103 cfs | → |
| Queen R At Liberty Rd At Liberty Ri | 15 cfs | → |
| Beaver River Near Usquepaug | 13 cfs | → |
| Pawcatuck River At Wood River Junction | 124 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Rocky Brook Reservoir.
Boat launches
- Sandy Bottom Shores Drive Peacedale
- Indian Lake State Boat Launch
- Tucker Pond
- Monahan's Dock
- Worden Pond State Boat Launch
- Barber Pond
Campgrounds
- Camp Hoffman
- Camp Watchaug (Westerly Ymca)
- 315 - Burlingham
- Mystic Koa Holiday
- Dyer Woods Nudist Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Track Rocky Brook Reservoir 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 Rocky Brook Reservoir
Where does the data for Rocky Brook Reservoir 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 Significant 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 Rocky Brook Reservoir.