Located in Bethel, Connecticut, Chestnut Ridge Dam, also known as Bethel Reservoir, serves as a crucial water supply source for the area.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1910, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and stretches 260 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 290 acre-feet. The dam is owned and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.
With a hazard potential classified as high, Chestnut Ridge Dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of its last assessment in August 2020. The dam features a spillway width of 25 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 270 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Chestnut Ridge Dam continues to play a vital role in managing water resources for the Fairfield County region, covering a surface area of 30.2 acres and draining a watershed area of 0.36 square miles.
As a key structure for water supply purposes, Chestnut Ridge Dam stands as a testament to the importance of efficient water management in the face of climate variability and increasing demands. Its presence underscores the need for ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and reliability of water resources in the region, making it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Year Completed |
1910 |
Dam Length |
260 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.36 |
Nid Storage |
290 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
29 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Youth Camp I
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Youth Camp II
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Youth Camp III
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Mountain Lakes Park
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Kettletown State Park
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Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
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