Lee's Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lee's Pond Dam, located in Westport, Connecticut, is a historic masonry dam completed in 1903 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans 275 feet, creating a storage capacity of 152 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Saugatuck River and serves as a vital resource for the surrounding community, offering opportunities for water-based activities and scenic views.

Despite its significant hazard potential, Lee's Pond Dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed during the last inspection in June 2020. The dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in 1998, raising concerns about its readiness in the event of a crisis.

Given its poor condition and significant hazard potential, Lee's Pond Dam presents challenges that require timely attention and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the preservation of its recreational value. With ongoing monitoring and risk management measures, efforts can be made to address the dam's condition and enhance its resilience in the face of changing climate conditions and potential hazards.

Year Completed

1903

Dam Length

275

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

SAUGATUCK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

16.8

Drainage Area

81

Nid Storage

152

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.