Saddle Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Saddle Pond Dam, also known as Miranda's Pond, is a private earth dam located in Stamford, Connecticut.


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Summary

Built in 1920, this dam serves as a recreational spot with a primary purpose of providing leisure activities for the local community. With a height of 11 feet and a length of 130 feet, the dam creates a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Saddle Pond Dam is regulated and inspected by the state to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has a significant hazard potential, but its condition assessment in 2019 deemed it satisfactory. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities and serves as a picturesque location along the Haviland Brook.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and functional aspects of Saddle Pond Dam as they consider its impact on the local ecosystem and surrounding community. With its serene location in Fairfield County and its crucial role in providing recreational opportunities, this dam stands as both a testament to early 20th-century engineering and a valuable resource for the residents of Stamford.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

130

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

HAVILAND BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

0.35

Nid Storage

40

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.