Messerschmidt Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Messerschmidt Pond 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 | 23 ft (taller than 80% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 545 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 910 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 910 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 770 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1890 (136 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00392 |
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
Connecticut DEEP
State Government
Nearby Dams
Wrights Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 20 ftComstock Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 7 ftKelseytown Reservoir Dam
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Significant Hazard 12 ftIvoryton Pond (Aka Washburn) Dam
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Significant Hazard 8 ftLochwood Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 13 ftPratt Read Dam
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Significant Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Messerschmidt Pond Dam?
Messerschmidt 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 Messerschmidt Pond Dam?
Messerschmidt Pond Dam is owned by Connecticut DEEP (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Messerschmidt Pond Dam built?
Messerschmidt Pond 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 Messerschmidt Pond Dam?
Messerschmidt 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 Messerschmidt Pond Dam?
Messerschmidt Pond Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Messerschmidt Pond Dam last inspected?
Messerschmidt Pond Dam was last inspected on October 9, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.