Located in Norwich, Connecticut, Spaulding Pond Dam is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the Spaulding Pond Brook.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and stretches 435 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 290 acre-feet. The dam serves as a critical flood risk reduction measure for the local government, with a normal storage capacity of 138 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1142 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Spaulding Pond Dam is state-regulated and subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 13 feet and an outlet gate in the form of a slide (sluice gate). With a hazard potential rated as high and a satisfactory condition assessment as of August 2019, the dam presents a moderate risk level (3) according to the latest risk assessment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Spaulding Pond Dam stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction efforts in Connecticut. Its strategic location, design, and maintenance highlight the importance of sustainable infrastructure for managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events. As an essential component of the local watershed system, Spaulding Pond Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential flooding and ensuring the long-term resilience of the region's water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
435 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
SPAULDING POND BROOK IN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Drainage Area |
0.26 |
Nid Storage |
290 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Shetucket River At Taftville
|
885cfs |
Yantic River At Yantic
|
147cfs |
Quinebaug River At Jewett City
|
1380cfs |
Little River Near Hanover
|
44cfs |
Shetucket River Near Willimantic
|
777cfs |
Pendleton Hill Brook Near Clarks Falls
|
8cfs |