Big Pond Dam, located in Windham, Connecticut, serves as a vital recreational resource in the area.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1870, this concrete structure stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation on its 32-acre surface area. The dam is situated on Pigeon Swamp Brook, with a drainage area of 2.15 square miles, making it a significant feature in the local hydrological landscape.
Managed by a private entity, Big Pond Dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), ensuring its safety and compliance with state guidelines for inspection, permitting, and enforcement. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with regular inspections conducted to maintain its structural integrity. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 25 feet, allowing for controlled release of water during times of excess flow. With its rich history and importance for both recreation and water resource management, Big Pond Dam stands as a testament to the enduring impact of human engineering on the natural environment.
Year Completed |
1870 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
PIGEON SWAMP BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
32 |
Drainage Area |
2.15 |
Nid Storage |
300 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Shetucket River Near Willimantic
|
702cfs |
Natchaug River At Willimantic
|
320cfs |
Little River Near Hanover
|
44cfs |
Willimantic River Near Coventry
|
161cfs |
Yantic River At Yantic
|
105cfs |
Shetucket River At Taftville
|
819cfs |