Whist Pond Dam, located in Drakeville, Connecticut, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering with its masonry construction completed in 1900.
Wind
Humidity
The dam serves a primary purpose of irrigation, with a storage capacity of 460 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 400 acre-feet. The dam spans 1100 feet in length and reaches a height of 8 feet, impounding the waters of Drake Pond Brook.
Managed by a private owner, Whist Pond Dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), ensuring state oversight for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential, but its condition was last assessed as satisfactory in June 2018. The dam's spillway width is 18 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 100 cubic feet per second in times of high water flow.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and functional importance of Whist Pond Dam, as it continues to support irrigation needs in the region while also showcasing the intersection of human infrastructure with natural waterways. Its presence in the Litchfield County landscape serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between water management and environmental stewardship, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and integrity of such vital structures in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource demands.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
DRAKE POND BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
39.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
460 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
8 |
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