Merriman Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Merriman Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 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 | 16 ft (taller than 63.7% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 475 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 110 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 170 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 34 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 336 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1994 |
| NID ID | CT00128 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Town of Watertown
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Smith Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 10 ftBlack Rock Pond Dam
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High Hazard 16 ftBlack Rock Dam
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High Hazard 130 ftWigwam Reservoir Dam
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Significant Hazard 75 ftEcho Lake Dam
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High Hazard 24 ftBig Meadow Pond A.K.A. Judd Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 6 ftGusceon Cemetery Dam
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Significant Hazard 8 ftDavelay Pond (A.K.A. Pond View #1) Dam
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Significant Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Merriman Pond Dam?
Merriman Pond 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 Merriman Pond Dam?
Merriman Pond Dam is owned by Town of Watertown (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Merriman Pond Dam built?
Merriman Pond 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 Merriman Pond Dam?
Merriman 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 Merriman Pond Dam?
Merriman Pond Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Merriman Pond Dam last inspected?
Merriman Pond Dam was last inspected on December 2, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.