Barnes Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barnes Reservoir Dam, located in Chesterfield, Connecticut, is a vital piece of infrastructure for water supply in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1902, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a length of 1080 feet. It has a storage capacity of 757 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 522 acre-feet, serving the needs of the region.

The dam is situated on the Latimer Brook, with a drainage area of 2.84 square miles. It is state-regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its integrity and safety. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the risk associated with the dam is considered moderate. An uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet is in place to manage excess water flow, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1264 cubic feet per second.

As a crucial component of the water supply infrastructure in the region, Barnes Reservoir Dam plays a key role in safeguarding water resources and ensuring the availability of water for the community. Its history, design, and operational parameters make it a noteworthy structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in understanding the dynamics of water management in Connecticut.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

1080

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

LATIMER BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

47

Drainage Area

2.84

Nid Storage

757

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds