Trails Pond Dam - Spillway Removed 2012 Dam
Trails Pond Dam - Spillway Removed 2012
Trails Pond Dam, also known as Trails Pond (Dewatered), underwent a significant change in 2012 when its spillway was removed. Located in Groton, Connecticut, this private dam on Birch Plain Creek was originally completed in 1880 with a height of 12.4 feet and a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. The dam, primarily designated as an Earth-type structure, served a variety of purposes and was regulated by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Following the removal of the spillway in 2012, the dam's hazard potential and condition assessment were labeled as 'Undetermined' and 'Not Rated', respectively. Despite lacking recent inspections and risk assessments, the dam remains an integral part of the local landscape with its historical significance and environmental impact on the surrounding area. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the implications of this dam modification, there is a growing interest in understanding its role in the ecosystem and potential future developments.
With its unique history and ecological importance, Trails Pond Dam continues to spark discussions among water resource and climate enthusiasts. As stakeholders navigate the complexities of dam management and regulation, the removal of the spillway in 2012 stands as a pivotal moment in the dam's evolution. As efforts to assess its condition and potential risks progress, the legacy of Trails Pond Dam serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between human infrastructure and natural ecosystems in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Trails Pond Dam - Spillway Removed 2012 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Pawcatuck River At Westerly | 296 cfs | → |
| Pendleton Hill Brook Near Clarks Falls | 48 cfs | → |
| Yantic River At Yantic | 38 cfs | → |
| East Branch Eightmile River Near North Lyme | 310 cfs | → |
| Eightmile R At North Plain | 530 cfs | → |
| Shetucket River At Taftville | 167 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Trails Pond Dam - Spillway Removed 2012.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Trails Pond Dam - Spillway Removed 2012
Where does the data for Trails Pond Dam - Spillway Removed 2012 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Undetermined hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.