Cranston Print Works Pond Reservoir Report
Nearby: Stone Pond Meshanticut Park Pond
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Cranston Print Works Pond, located in Cranston, Rhode Island, is a historic masonry dam completed in 1825 on the Pocasset River.
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Summary
This private water resource is regulated by the State of Rhode Island and has a high hazard potential, although its condition was assessed as fair as of May 2018. The dam stands at a height of 17 feet, with a hydraulic height of 14 feet, and a length of 350 feet, creating a storage capacity of 255 acre-feet.
The pond serves purposes beyond just water storage, with a surface area of 25 acres and a drainage area of 18 acres. Despite its age, Cranston Print Works Pond continues to play a vital role in water resource management in the area, with a normal storage capacity of 180 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1715 cubic feet per second. The dam is inspected every 2 years, with the last assessment conducted in March 2017, ensuring its continued safety and functionality for the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Cranston Print Works Pond offers a glimpse into the intersection of history, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. As a significant piece of New England's water management system, this iconic masonry dam stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the past and the ongoing importance of maintaining our water resources in the face of a changing climate. From its construction in the early 19th century to its continued role in providing water storage and flood control today, Cranston Print Works Pond is a symbol of the enduring connection between human civilization and the natural world.
Year Completed |
1825 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
POCASSET RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
18 |
Nid Storage |
255 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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