Ocean State Power dam
Ocean State Power
Ocean State Power in Rhode Island is a privately owned facility that is regulated by the state and actively monitored for safety and compliance. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, this power plant stands at a height of 36 feet and has a dam length of 1000 feet, with a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet. With a high hazard potential, the facility is rated as being in fair condition, last assessed in October 2017.
This hydroelectric facility plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a drainage area of 28 square miles. With a maximum discharge capacity of 23 cubic feet per second, the facility also serves other purposes beyond power generation. Despite its age and the last inspection being in June 2016, Ocean State Power continues to meet regulatory standards and operate within state jurisdiction.
Ensuring the safety and efficiency of Ocean State Power is a priority, with the facility undergoing inspections every two years and being prepared for emergencies. Although further risk assessments and management measures could enhance its operations, the power plant remains a key player in the state's energy landscape. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Ocean State Power facility serves as a beacon of sustainable energy production and resource management in Rhode Island.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Ocean State Power -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Branch River At Forestdale | 68 cfs | → |
| Nipmuc River Near Harrisville | 17 cfs | → |
| Blackstone River At Woonsocket | 441 cfs | → |
| West River Below West Hill Dam | 1 cfs | → |
| Peeptoad Brook At Elmdale Rd Nr North Scituate | 2 cfs | → |
| Woonasquatucket River At Centerdale | 25 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ocean State Power.
Boat launches
- Farnum Pike 334, Smithfield
- Pascoag Reservoir Fishing Access
- Smith
- Wallum Lake Road 107, Douglas
- Bowdish Reservoir
- Clarkville Pond
Campgrounds
- George Washington State Campground
- Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts Of America, Cub World
- "The Sandpits" Private Hiking And Winter Sports Area
- Dyer Woods Nudist Campgrounds
- Minha Casa
- Camp Christina Entrance
Fishing spots
Track Ocean State Power in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Ocean State Power
Where does the data for Ocean State Power come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Ocean State Power.