Black Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Black Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 26 ft (taller than 84.4% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 353 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 123 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 76 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 250 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | CT00135 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
City of Meriden
Local Government
Nearby Dams
High Hill Pond Aka Shonek Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 17 ftBishops Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 13 ftLake Beseck Dam
Middlesex, CT
Significant Hazard 34 ftPaddock Road Pond
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Significant Hazard 8 ftGunsight Pond Dam
Middlesex, CT
Significant Hazard 17 ftBaldwins Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 24 ftBradley Hubbard Reservoir Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 15 ftAdder Reservoir
Middlesex, CT
High Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Black Pond Dam?
Black Pond Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Black Pond Dam?
Black Pond Dam is owned by City of Meriden (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Black Pond Dam built?
Black Pond Dam was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Black Pond Dam?
Black 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 Black Pond Dam?
Black Pond Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Black Pond Dam last inspected?
Black Pond Dam was last inspected on September 4, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.