Darrow Pond Dam

LATIMER BROOK TRIB· New London, Connecticut· Built 1880· Earth· 8 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Darrow Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 17.6% in CT)
Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage315 acre-ft
Normal Storage315 acre-ft
Surface Area47 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge24 cfs
Year Completed1880 (146 years old)
NID IDCT00156

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: May 26, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Town of East Lyme;William Sawicky

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Darrow Pond Dam?

Darrow 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 Darrow Pond Dam?

Darrow Pond Dam is owned by Town of East Lyme;William Sawicky (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Darrow Pond Dam built?

Darrow 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 Darrow Pond Dam?

Darrow 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 Darrow Pond Dam?

Darrow Pond Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Darrow Pond Dam last inspected?

Darrow Pond Dam was last inspected on May 26, 2015. 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.