Peace Dale Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Peace Dale Pond, also known as Saugatucket Pond, is a private water resource located in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.


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Summary

This historic dam, completed in 1847, serves as a critical structure on the Saugatucket River, with a maximum storage capacity of 307 acre-feet and a normal storage of 270 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a spillway width of 60 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 590 cubic feet per second.

Despite its rich history, Peace Dale Pond is currently rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The last inspection in November 2017 revealed the need for significant improvements to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. With its location in a densely populated area and the potential risks associated with a failing dam, efforts to address these concerns through regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to protect both the surrounding community and the local ecosystem.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Peace Dale Pond to be a fascinating case study in the maintenance and regulation of aging infrastructure. As a private dam under state jurisdiction, the responsibility for its upkeep falls on the owner, highlighting the importance of proactive management to mitigate potential risks. With its rich history and critical role in water management, Peace Dale Pond serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities in ensuring the sustainability of our water resources in the face of climate change and increasing demands on our infrastructure.

Year Completed

1847

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

SAUGATUCKET RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

11

Nid Storage

307

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

16
       
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.