In August 1955, Hurricane Diane blew across Long Island Sound and hit the southern new England shore. The countryside had already been soaked by earlier storm when the hurricane dumped 12'-20" or rain from the Berkshires to the coast. Streams gushed and rivers jumped their banks, washing away bridges, roads, homes and businesses. Ninety people lost their lives and over $540 million worth of damage was one! On August 20, President Eisenhower declared many location in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island as disaster areas.

This tragedy prompted state governments to work with the Corps of Engineers to hasten the building of several flood control dams that had already been authorized by the U.S. Congress. West Hill Dam, built from 1959-1961, is part of the resulting network of flood control structures. The dam is designed to hold back flood waters during heavy rains, until rivers begin to recede and the stored water can be safely released. West Hill protects Uxbridge, Woonsocket, Providence and other communities along the Blackstone River in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The Reservoir Regulation Team in Concord, Massachusetts is the nerve center for managing all the flood control dams in New England. Hydrologists and engineers use satellite communications and computer technology to constantly monitor river levels and weather conditions. They decide when and where to close the floodgates of the dams and store flood water in the reservoir valleys. They release the water as soon as possible, to be ready for the next storm that may threaten downstream communities.