Valley Falls

The Valley Falls Dam, located at the Broad Street (Route 114) bridge adjacent to Blackstone Hydro Power Plant on the border of Cumberland and Central Falls, RI, was constructed in 1853. The Blackstone Hydro Power Plant abuts the easterly side of the dam.

The Valley Falls Dam is the fourth and most upstream dam on the Blackstone River for this phase of the restoration project. The 186 foot long dam stands approximately 9.5 feet high. An abandoned spillway exists on the left, or west, side of the dam.

The project proponent, Blackstone Hydropower, LLC, with funding support from NRCS, is proposing to install a structure assisted fish passage to facilitate fish passage over the Valley Falls Dam. This structure would occur on the northern side of the dam so as not to interfere with the operation of the Blackstone Hydro Power Plant.

Project Pictures

Northerly view of Valley Falls Dam

Northwesterly view of Valley Falls Dam

Easterly view of downstream at Valley Falls Dam

Easterly view of abandoned spillway at Valley Falls Dam

Northerly view of spillway at Blackstone Hydro Power Plant