Union Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Union Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1901 and is 125 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 | 33 ft (taller than 90.4% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 590 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 720 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 515 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 52 acres |
| Drainage Area | 54 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1901 (125 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2003 |
| NID ID | CT00013 |
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
Town of Manchester
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Center Springs Pond Dam
Hartford, CT
Significant Hazard 9 ftLydall Pond #1 Dam
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Significant Hazard 12 ftAvery Flood Control Site #1 Dam
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High Hazard 20 ftAvery Flood Control Site #2 Dam
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High Hazard 23 ftAldon Mill Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 25 ftFolly Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 9 ftGlobe Hollow Reservoir Dam
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Significant Hazard 40 ftManchester Reservoir #1 Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Union Pond Dam?
Union 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 Union Pond Dam?
Union Pond Dam is owned by Town of Manchester (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Union Pond Dam built?
Union Pond Dam was completed in 1901, making it 125 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 Union Pond Dam?
Union 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 Union Pond Dam?
Union Pond Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Union Pond Dam last inspected?
Union Pond Dam was last inspected on August 19, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.