Upper Millpond Dam

MILL BROOK· New London, Connecticut· Built 1820· Earth· 11 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Upper Millpond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1820 and is 206 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 37.9% in CT)
Dam Length120 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage50 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area11 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Max Discharge413 cfs
Year Completed1820 (206 years old)
NID IDCT00417

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: August 29, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Richard O'Connor Trustee

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Millpond Dam?

Upper Millpond 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 Millpond Dam?

Upper Millpond Dam is owned by Richard O'Connor Trustee (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Millpond Dam built?

Upper Millpond Dam was completed in 1820, making it 206 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 Millpond Dam?

Upper Millpond 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 Millpond Dam?

Upper Millpond Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Millpond Dam last inspected?

Upper Millpond Dam was last inspected on August 29, 2016. 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.