Nystrom Pond Dam

TURNER BROOK· Litchfield, Connecticut· Built 1889· Earth· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Nystrom Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1889 and is 137 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 63.7% in CT)
Dam Length140 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage193 acre-ft
Normal Storage130 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge390 cfs
Year Completed1889 (137 years old)
NID IDCT00457

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: August 14, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Town of Thomaston

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nystrom Pond Dam?

Nystrom 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 Nystrom Pond Dam?

Nystrom Pond Dam is owned by Town of Thomaston (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Nystrom Pond Dam built?

Nystrom Pond Dam was completed in 1889, making it 137 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 Nystrom Pond Dam?

Nystrom 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 Nystrom Pond Dam?

Nystrom 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 Nystrom Pond Dam last inspected?

Nystrom Pond Dam was last inspected on August 14, 2017. 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.