Whist Pond Dam

DRAKE POND BROOK· Litchfield, Connecticut· Built 1900· Earth· 8 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Whist Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 17.6% in CT)
Dam Length1,100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage460 acre-ft
Normal Storage400 acre-ft
Surface Area40 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge100 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDCT00102

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: June 22, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Nw Ct Girl Scouts

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Whist Pond Dam?

Whist 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 Whist Pond Dam?

Whist Pond Dam is owned by Nw Ct Girl Scouts (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Whist Pond Dam built?

Whist Pond Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Whist Pond Dam?

Whist Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Whist Pond Dam?

Whist Pond Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Whist Pond Dam last inspected?

Whist Pond Dam was last inspected on June 22, 2018. 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.