Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam

NONEWAUG RIVER· Litchfield, Connecticut· Built 1860· Earth· 6 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1860 and is 166 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 6 ft (taller than 8.7% in CT)
Dam Length182 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage114 acre-ft
Normal Storage114 acre-ft
Surface Area32 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge323 cfs
Year Completed1860 (166 years old)
NID IDCT00126

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: No
Last Inspection: September 1, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Watertown Fire District

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam?

Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd 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 Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam?

Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam is owned by Watertown Fire District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam built?

Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam was completed in 1860, making it 166 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 Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam?

Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd 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 Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam?

Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam has a dam height of 6 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 Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam last inspected?

Big Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam was last inspected on September 1, 2020. 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.