Nash Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nash Pond Dam, located in Saugatuck, Connecticut, is a historic masonry dam completed in 1879 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

This beautiful dam, situated on Stony Brook, stands at 22 feet in height and spans 106 feet in length, creating a serene surface area of 11 acres. With a normal storage capacity of 58 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 250 cubic feet per second, Nash Pond Dam provides not only recreational opportunities but also important water resource management functions for the surrounding area.

Despite its age, Nash Pond Dam is in satisfactory condition, as indicated by its last inspection in August 2019. The dam is state-regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, ensuring that it is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced for safety and environmental compliance. With a high hazard potential due to its location and design, Nash Pond Dam has a moderate risk assessment of 3, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to protect the surrounding community and water resources. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nash Pond Dam serves as a fascinating example of historic engineering and the intersection of human activity with natural ecosystems.

Year Completed

1879

Dam Length

106

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

STONY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

3.05

Nid Storage

114

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

22
       
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.