Ensign Bickford Dam

HOP BROOK· Hartford, Connecticut· Built 1900· Earth· 21 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Ensign Bickford Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 76.6% in CT)
Dam Length60 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage24 acre-ft
Normal Storage24 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Max Discharge900 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDCT00567

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
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ensign Bickford Dam?

Ensign Bickford 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 Ensign Bickford Dam?

Ensign Bickford Dam is owned by information not available (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ensign Bickford Dam built?

Ensign Bickford Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Ensign Bickford Dam?

Ensign Bickford 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 Ensign Bickford Dam?

Ensign Bickford Dam has a dam height of 21 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.