Comstock Pond Dam

FALLS RIVER· Middlesex, Connecticut· Built 1874· Earth· 7 ft tall
Low Hazard Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

Comstock Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1874 and is 152 years old. Its primary use is other.

Physical Details

Dam Height 7 ft (taller than 13.2% in CT)
Dam Length540 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage57 acre-ft
Normal Storage57 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge186 cfs
Year Completed1874 (152 years old)
NID IDCT00424

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP & LOCAL

Ownership

Town of Essex

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Comstock Pond Dam?

Comstock Pond Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Comstock Pond Dam?

Comstock Pond Dam is owned by Town of Essex (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Comstock Pond Dam built?

Comstock Pond Dam was completed in 1874, making it 152 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 Comstock Pond Dam?

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

How tall is Comstock Pond Dam?

Comstock Pond Dam has a dam height of 7 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.

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.