Barberville Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barberville Pond, located in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, is a picturesque water resource managed by the state for fish and wildlife preservation and recreational activities.


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Summary

Built in 1882, this masonry dam stands at a height of 11 feet and spans 125 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 184 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 120 acre-feet and a surface area of 21 acres, the pond is fed by the Wood River and covers a drainage area of 55 square miles.

Despite being a significant water feature, Barberville Pond has not been rated for its condition assessment as of the last inspection in October 2014. With a hazard potential identified as "significant," the dam may require further evaluation and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The pond's spillway width of 92 feet and maximum discharge capacity of 1,523 cubic feet per second highlight the importance of proper management and monitoring to prevent potential risks to surrounding areas. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Barberville Pond offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the delicate balance between human intervention and natural ecosystems in sustaining valuable habitats and recreational spaces.

Year Completed

1882

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

WOOD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

21

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

55

Nid Storage

184

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

11
       
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.