Mountain Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mountain Pond Dam in Danbury, Connecticut, stands as a vital structure for water supply, completed in 1901, with a height of 15 feet and a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet.


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Summary

This earth dam on the Sympaug Brook Tributary serves as a key resource for the region, providing a normal storage capacity of 87 acre-feet over a surface area of 14.5 acres. With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2016, the dam is under state regulation, requiring regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and functionality.

Located in Fairfield County, Mountain Pond Dam is owned by the local government and falls under the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). With no federal agency involvement in its ownership, funding, or design, the dam plays a crucial role in water management for the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 69 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose efficiently, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change and evolving environmental conditions.

As climate enthusiasts and water resource stakeholders observe the evolving landscape of dams and infrastructure in the face of changing weather patterns and increasing water demands, Mountain Pond Dam stands as a testament to the critical role of such structures in ensuring water security for communities. With a history dating back to the turn of the 20th century, this earth dam continues to play a key role in water supply management, highlighting the need for ongoing inspections, maintenance, and regulatory oversight to safeguard its integrity and functionality for future generations.

Year Completed

1901

Dam Length

105

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

SYMPAUG BROOK TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.5

Drainage Area

0.24

Nid Storage

165

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.