Upper Mill Pond Dam

Sumner Brook· Middlesex, Connecticut· Built 1860· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Upper Mill Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1860 and is 166 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 42.4% in CT)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage36 acre-ft
Normal Storage31 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Max Discharge250 cfs
Year Completed1860 (166 years old)
NID IDCT00141

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: No
Last Inspection: November 11, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Fenner Drives, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Mill Pond Dam?

Upper Mill 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 Upper Mill Pond Dam?

Upper Mill Pond Dam is owned by Fenner Drives, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Mill Pond Dam built?

Upper Mill Pond Dam was completed in 1860, making it 166 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 Upper Mill Pond Dam?

Upper Mill 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 Upper Mill Pond Dam?

Upper Mill Pond Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Upper Mill Pond Dam last inspected?

Upper Mill Pond Dam was last inspected on November 11, 2019. 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.