Whist Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Whist Pond Dam, located in Drakeville, Connecticut, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering with its masonry construction completed in 1900.


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Summary

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
       
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.