Gorham Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Gorham, N.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Farm Pond in Foster, Rhode Island, is a private water resource managed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of providing fire protection and serving as a stock or small fish pond. This gravity dam, completed in 1973, has a height of 16 feet and a length of 560 feet, creating a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. The dam's poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential highlight the need for ongoing maintenance and risk management measures.
Located on the Moosup River tributary in Providence County, Rhode Island, Gorham, N. Farm Pond plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing essential services to the surrounding area. Despite being state-regulated and inspected, the dam's outdated infrastructure and lack of recent updates pose challenges to its long-term sustainability. With a moderate risk assessment rating, there is a pressing need for improved emergency preparedness and risk management strategies to ensure the safety and functionality of this vital water resource.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and upgrading dams like Gorham, N. Farm Pond becomes increasingly apparent. With a spillway width of 70 feet and uncontrolled outlets, there is a need for modernization to enhance flood control capabilities and mitigate potential risks. Collaborative efforts between state agencies, the USDA NRCS, and local stakeholders will be crucial in safeguarding this dam and ensuring its continued ability to support fire protection, stock, and fish pond activities in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
560 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
MOOSUP RIVER-TRIB |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
150 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
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.
Gorham, N. Farm Pond
Squaw Rock Road Killingly
Ross Pond State Park
Moosup Playground
Quinebaug Pond State Park
Wickaboxet Wildlife Management Area
Plainfield Vets Park