Dobsonville Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Dobsonville Pond Dam, located in Talcottville, Connecticut, is a state-regulated masonry dam built in 1900 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Situated on the Tankerhoosen River, this dam stands at 26 feet tall with a length of 84 feet, providing a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet. With a surface area of 5.5 acres and a drainage area of 10.7 square miles, the dam has a significant hazard potential but is currently in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2015.

The dam is equipped with a spillway width of 62 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 342 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Dobsonville Pond Dam has been regularly inspected every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam is expected to meet guidelines, although specific details on its preparation and updates are not provided in the data. Overall, Dobsonville Pond Dam serves as a recreational asset for the community while also being a critical piece of infrastructure for water resource management in the area.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Dobsonville Pond Dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and providing recreational opportunities in the region. With its historical significance and important functions, the dam continues to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the sustainable management of water infrastructure amidst changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

84

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TANKERHOOSEN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

5.5

Drainage Area

10.7

Nid Storage

125

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.