Belden Dam, also known as Belden Pond, is a private dam located in Thompson, Connecticut, along the Blackmore Brook.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1900, this masonry dam stands at 12 feet high and spans 296 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 338 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves as a recreational site, offering a surface area of 75 acres for water activities and outdoor enjoyment.
Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Belden Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a significant hazard potential, the dam has a spillway width of 22 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 60 cubic feet per second. Despite not being currently rated for its condition, the dam remains a key structure for water resource management in the region, attracting enthusiasts and visitors alike to its picturesque location in Windham County.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Belden Dam presents a fascinating example of historic engineering and recreational infrastructure in Connecticut. With its rich history, scenic surroundings, and state-regulated operations, the dam serves as a valuable asset for water storage, flood control, and outdoor recreation in the region. As efforts continue to ensure the safety and efficiency of the dam, it remains a prominent feature in the local landscape, drawing attention from those interested in the intersection of water resources, climate management, and recreational opportunities.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
296 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
BLACKMORE BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
75 |
Drainage Area |
1.59 |
Nid Storage |
338 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
12 |
Quinebaug R At West Thompson
|
276cfs |
French R At N Grosvenordale
|
188cfs |
Nipmuc River Near Harrisville
|
27cfs |
Quinebaug River At Putnam
|
616cfs |
Little River At Harrisville
|
85cfs |
French River At Webster
|
7cfs |