Beach Pond Dam

PACHAUG RIVER· New London, Connecticut· Built 1885· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Beach Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 42.4% in CT)
Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage5.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.1K acre-ft
Surface Area459 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge365 cfs
Year Completed1885 (141 years old)
NID IDCT00628

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 30, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Connecticut DEEP

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Beach Pond Dam?

Beach Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Beach Pond Dam?

Beach Pond Dam is owned by Connecticut DEEP (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Beach Pond Dam built?

Beach Pond Dam was completed in 1885, making it 141 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Beach Pond Dam?

Beach Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Beach Pond Dam?

Beach Pond Dam has a dam height of 12 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Beach Pond Dam last inspected?

Beach Pond Dam was last inspected on October 30, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.