Spaulding Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.