Paper Goods Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Paper Goods Pond Dam, located in Kensington, Connecticut, is a masonry dam completed in 1920 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 14.5 acres for recreational activities. Situated on the Mattabesset River, the dam is owned and regulated by the local government and falls under the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in June 2020. With a spillway width of 61 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1190 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped to manage excess water flow effectively. Additionally, the dam has undergone periodic inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety for downstream communities. While there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam remains a key recreational site for residents and visitors in the area.

Paper Goods Pond Dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for both water resource management and recreational purposes in the region. Its historical significance, combined with its functionality, highlights the importance of proper maintenance and oversight to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all who benefit from its presence along the Mattabesset River.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

73

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

MATTABESSET RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

14.5

Drainage Area

9.2

Nid Storage

150

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.