South Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
South Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1850 and is 176 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 | 21 ft (taller than 76.6% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 731 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 138 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 590 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1850 (176 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00592 |
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
Mount Riga, Inc.
Private
Nearby Dams
Riga Lake Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 10 ftLakeville Reservoir #2 Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 22 ftPewter Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 9 ftHolly Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 4 ftFisher Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 11 ftTwin Lakes Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 20 ftPlantain Pond Dam
Berkshire, MA
Significant Hazard 15 ftWononpakook Lake Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of South Pond Dam?
South 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 South Pond Dam?
South Pond Dam is owned by Mount Riga, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was South Pond Dam built?
South Pond Dam was completed in 1850, making it 176 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 South Pond Dam?
South 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 South Pond Dam?
South Pond Dam has a dam height of 21 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 South Pond Dam last inspected?
South Pond Dam was last inspected on December 18, 2014. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.