Buckingham Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Buckingham Reservoir Dam, located in East Glastonbury, Connecticut, is a vital structure owned by the local government and regulated by the state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 400 feet in length. Completed in 1925, it has a storage capacity of 380 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 35 acres, serving as a recreational hub for the surrounding community.

The dam, situated on Roaring Brook, has a significant hazard potential and is rated in fair condition as of the last assessment in October 2019. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2040 cubic feet per second, the dam's spillway width is 50 feet. The area surrounding Buckingham Reservoir Dam is monitored and inspected regularly, with the last inspection conducted in October 2019. While the dam currently meets regulatory guidelines, emergency action plans are yet to be prepared or updated, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Buckingham Reservoir Dam stands as a historic and essential structure in Hartford County, providing both recreational opportunities and critical flood control measures. With its picturesque location and significant storage capacity, this dam serves as a cornerstone of water management in the region, showcasing the intersection of human infrastructure and natural resources in maintaining a sustainable environment.

Year Completed

1925

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

ROARING BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Drainage Area

4.5

Nid Storage

380

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.