Black Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Black Pond Dam in Meriden, Connecticut, is a local government-owned structure that serves as a recreational destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

Completed in 1880, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 200 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 353 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Spoon Shop Brook and has a spillway width of 12 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 250 cubic feet per second.

Despite the dam's satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2020, it is classified as having a high hazard potential due to its location and design. The dam is regularly inspected every two years to ensure its safety and functionality. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level, there are currently no specific risk management measures in place. The primary purpose of Black Pond Dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 76 acres for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

As a significant feature in the New Haven County landscape, Black Pond Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. Its historical significance, combined with its recreational value, underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring this dam to ensure the safety of both the surrounding community and the environment.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

SPOON SHOP BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

76

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

353

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.