Popes Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Popes Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 24 ft (taller than 81.2% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 980 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 88 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00214 |
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
South Norwalk Electric and Water
Public Utility
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High Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Popes Pond Dam?
Popes 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 Popes Pond Dam?
Popes Pond Dam is owned by South Norwalk Electric and Water (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Popes Pond Dam built?
Popes Pond Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Popes Pond Dam?
Popes Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Popes Pond Dam?
Popes Pond Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Popes Pond Dam last inspected?
Popes Pond Dam was last inspected on May 29, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.