Hope Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hope is a historic and significant masonry dam located in Scituate, Rhode Island, along the Pawtuxet River-North Branch.


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Summary

Built in 1885, this dam serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. With a height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 418 acre-feet, Hope has a normal storage of 264 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 10,730 cubic feet per second.

Owned by the local government and regulated by the state, Hope Dam is inspected every 5 years for safety and maintenance. The dam has a spillway width of 147 feet and a surface area of 35 acres, providing important water resource management for the surrounding area. Despite its age, the dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential and its condition is currently not rated.

Representing a blend of historical significance and contemporary functionality, Hope Dam stands as a testament to the enduring value of water resource infrastructure in the face of changing climates and evolving needs. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management can appreciate the role this dam plays in balancing environmental protection, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation in the region.

Year Completed

1885

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

PAWTUXET RIVER-NORTH BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

35

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

98

Nid Storage

418

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.