Slocum Woods Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Slocum Woods is a private water resource located in Washington, Rhode Island, along the Chipuxet River tributary.


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Summary

This irrigation facility, completed in 1993, is state-regulated and subject to inspections, enforcement, and permitting by the Department of Environmental Management. Despite its critical purpose for irrigation, the dam's condition assessment is poor, with a high hazard potential, leading to concerns about its structural integrity and safety.

The dam at Slocum Woods lacks specific details on height, volume, and storage capacity, but its deteriorating condition and high hazard potential raise red flags for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The last inspection in 2014 highlighted the dam's poor state, prompting the need for vigilant monitoring and potential risk management measures. With its location in a sensitive ecosystem, any failure or breach of the dam could have significant environmental and water resource impacts on the surrounding area, emphasizing the importance of timely maintenance and assessment.

Given the critical importance of water resources and climate resilience, the condition of Slocum Woods dam warrants immediate attention and action. With a history of poor assessment and a high hazard potential, stakeholders must prioritize the maintenance and monitoring of this irrigation facility to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystem. Collaboration between state agencies, regulators, and water resource enthusiasts is essential to address the challenges posed by the deteriorating condition of Slocum Woods and prevent potential environmental disasters.

Year Completed

1993

River Or Stream

CHIPUXET RIVER-TRIB

Hazard Potential

High
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.