Happy Hollow Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Happy Hollow Pond, located in Central Falls, Rhode Island, is a masonry dam constructed in 1885 for water supply purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 19 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 360 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. The pond covers a surface area of 20 acres and has a drainage area of 28 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2000 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Happy Hollow Pond is in fair condition with a significant hazard potential, according to a 2017 assessment. The dam has a spillway width of 68 feet and a last inspection date of July 2012, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. The dam is state-regulated and meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements, ensuring its safety and reliability for water resource management in the area.

Happy Hollow Pond serves as a vital water source for the community, with its historical significance and functional design contributing to its importance in water supply management. Its location along the Abbott Run river and proximity to Providence highlights its role in maintaining water resources in the region. Enthusiasts of water resource and climate management can appreciate the significance of Happy Hollow Pond in providing essential water supply services while upholding state regulatory standards for dam safety.

Year Completed

1885

Dam Length

130

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

ABBOTT RUN

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

28

Nid Storage

360

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
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.