Middle Bolton Lake Dam

BOLTON POND BROOK· Tolland, Connecticut· Built 1940· Earth· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Middle Bolton Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 72.5% in CT)
Dam Length640 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage672 acre-ft
Normal Storage672 acre-ft
Surface Area140 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge6,764 cfs
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDCT00668

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: Yes
Last Inspection: April 8, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Connecticut DEEP

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Middle Bolton Lake Dam?

Middle Bolton Lake 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 Middle Bolton Lake Dam?

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

When was Middle Bolton Lake Dam built?

Middle Bolton Lake Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Middle Bolton Lake Dam?

Middle Bolton Lake 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 Middle Bolton Lake Dam?

Middle Bolton Lake Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Middle Bolton Lake Dam last inspected?

Middle Bolton Lake Dam was last inspected on April 8, 2015. 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.