Gorton Pond Dam in Niantic, Connecticut, stands as a historic masonry structure completed in 1860 with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, located on the Patagundet River, boasts a height of 8 feet, a length of 225 feet, and a storage capacity of 810 acre-feet. It serves as a vital resource for the local community, offering a serene surface area of 55 acres for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Gorton Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair and is subjected to regular inspections every five years. With a spillway width of 62 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 930 cubic feet per second, the dam remains a critical component of the region's water resource infrastructure.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and risk assessment measures are not fully specified in the available data. However, the dam's location in East Lyme, New London County, under the oversight of the state authorities, highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to safeguard the surrounding community and preserve the ecological balance of the area. As a focal point for both water resource management and recreational enjoyment, Gorton Pond Dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between human activity and natural ecosystems in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1860 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
PATAGUANDET RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
55 |
Drainage Area |
6.7 |
Nid Storage |
810 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
8 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Youth Site 2
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Youth Site 1
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Laurel Lock Camp
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