Hockanum Reservoir Dam

HOCKANUM RIVER· Tolland, Connecticut· Built 1890· Earth· 37 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Hockanum Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 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 37 ft (taller than 92.6% in CT)
Dam Length165 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage22 acre-ft
Normal Storage18 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area17 sq mi
Max Discharge1,950 cfs
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
Year Modified1988
NID IDCT00620

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 19, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Fromson

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hockanum Reservoir Dam?

Hockanum Reservoir 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 Hockanum Reservoir Dam?

Hockanum Reservoir Dam is owned by Fromson (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hockanum Reservoir Dam built?

Hockanum Reservoir Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Hockanum Reservoir Dam?

Hockanum Reservoir 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 Hockanum Reservoir Dam?

Hockanum Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Hockanum Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Hockanum Reservoir Dam was last inspected on November 19, 2019. 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.