Black Rock Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Black Rock Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 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 | 16 ft (taller than 63.7% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 160 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 164 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 92 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 180 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1945 (81 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00633 |
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
Connecticut DEEP
State Government
Nearby Dams
Black Rock Dam
Litchfield, CT
High Hazard 130 ftGusceon Cemetery Dam
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Significant Hazard 8 ftMerriman Pond Dam
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High Hazard 111 ftSmith Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 10 ftWigwam Reservoir Dam
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Significant Hazard 75 ftWilton Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftNystrom Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Black Rock Pond Dam?
Black Rock 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 Rock Pond Dam?
Black Rock Pond Dam is owned by Connecticut DEEP (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Black Rock Pond Dam built?
Black Rock Pond Dam was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Rock Pond Dam?
Black Rock 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 Rock Pond Dam?
Black Rock Pond Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Rock Pond Dam last inspected?
Black Rock Pond Dam was last inspected on October 2, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.