Towantic Pond Dam

LONG MEADOW POND BK· New Haven, Connecticut· Built 1870· Masonry· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Towantic Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1870 and is 156 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 67.8% in CT)
Dam Length75 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Normal Storage285 acre-ft
Surface Area30 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1870 (156 years old)
NID IDCT00326

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: January 15, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Braley;Kerski Associates;Masonic Charity Foundation of CT Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Towantic Pond Dam?

Towantic 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 Towantic Pond Dam?

Towantic Pond Dam is owned by Braley;Kerski Associates;Masonic Charity Foundation of CT Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Towantic Pond Dam built?

Towantic Pond Dam was completed in 1870, making it 156 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 Towantic Pond Dam?

Towantic 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 Towantic Pond Dam?

Towantic Pond Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Towantic Pond Dam last inspected?

Towantic Pond Dam was last inspected on January 15, 2014. 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.