Lower Hart Ponds Dam, located in Hartford, Connecticut, along the Mattabesset River, was completed in 1920 and serves as a crucial water supply structure.
Wind
Humidity
Owned by the local government, this Earth-type dam stands at 18 feet tall and stretches 1,850 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 825 acre-feet. The dam, primarily constructed of stone on a soil foundation, features an uncontrolled spillway that is 32 feet wide, allowing for a maximum discharge of 1,200 cubic feet per second.
With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Lower Hart Ponds Dam has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the latest inspection in November 2020. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not currently specified, highlighting areas that may require attention in the future. Despite these considerations, the dam continues to play a vital role in water resource management in the region, showcasing the intersection of infrastructure, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship in Connecticut's water landscape.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
1850 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
MATTABESSET RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
50 |
Drainage Area |
1.8 |
Nid Storage |
825 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
18 |
Quinnipiac River At Southington
|
16cfs |
Coginchaug River At Middlefield
|
60cfs |
Farmington River At Unionville
|
422cfs |
Quinnipiac River At Wallingford
|
147cfs |
North Branch Park R At Hartford
|
26cfs |
Connecticut R At Middle Haddam
|
14900cfs |