Furnace Pond Dam

HALF HILL BROOK· Windham, Connecticut· Built 1870· Earth· 7 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Furnace Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1870 and is 156 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 7 ft (taller than 13.2% in CT)
Dam Length251 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage56 acre-ft
Normal Storage56 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge248 cfs
Year Completed1870 (156 years old)
NID IDCT01669

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

Connecticut DEEP

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Furnace Pond Dam?

Furnace 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 Furnace Pond Dam?

Furnace Pond Dam is owned by Connecticut DEEP (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Furnace Pond Dam built?

Furnace Pond Dam was completed in 1870, making it 156 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 Furnace Pond Dam?

Furnace 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 Furnace Pond Dam?

Furnace 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.