Risdon Pond Dam

HOPEVILLE POND BROOK· New Haven, Connecticut· Built 1890· Earth· 27 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Risdon Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 85.1% in CT)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage11 acre-ft
Normal Storage9 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge220 cfs
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
NID IDCT00176

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: November 3, 1986
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Lin

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Risdon Pond Dam?

Risdon 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 Risdon Pond Dam?

Risdon Pond Dam is owned by Lin (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Risdon Pond Dam built?

Risdon 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 Risdon Pond Dam?

Risdon 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 Risdon Pond Dam?

Risdon Pond Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Risdon Pond Dam last inspected?

Risdon Pond Dam was last inspected on November 3, 1986. 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.