Pin Shop Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pin Shop Pond Dam, located in Bunker Hill, Connecticut, is a privately owned structure constructed in 1870 with a primary purpose of serving as an Earth dam.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 23 feet and spanning a length of 430 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 32 acre-feet. It is situated on the Steele Brook river/stream and is regulated by the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a hazard potential classified as high and a fair condition assessment as of September 2017, Pin Shop Pond Dam poses a moderate risk, prompting the need for risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and is equipped with valve outlet gates. Despite its age and potential risks, the dam has a captivating history and serves as a vital water resource for the local area, with an associated surface area of 3.5 acres and a drainage area of 11.9 square miles.

As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pin Shop Pond Dam stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity and serves as a critical infrastructure element in the region. With its historical significance dating back to the 19th century and its ongoing role in water management and conservation efforts, this dam underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring our water resources in the face of changing climatic conditions and potential hazards.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

430

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

STEELE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.5

Drainage Area

11.9

Nid Storage

82

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.