Swede Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Swede Pond Dam, located in Berlin, Connecticut, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Sitting on the Crooked Brook river, this dam stands at 18 feet in height and stretches 310 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 8 acre-feet. Despite its recreational function, Swede Pond Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of its last inspection in November 2015.

The dam features a valve outlet gate and a spillway width of 20 feet, with state regulation, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance. While the dam's construction year is not specified, its age and condition raise concerns about its long-term stability and functionality. With a drainage area of 0.9 square miles, Swede Pond Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and maintaining the surrounding ecosystem, making it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the intricacies of Swede Pond Dam, they are drawn to its historical significance and potential risks. With a designated inspection frequency of 5 years, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the dam's continued functionality. The dam's location in the Hartford County of Connecticut adds to its importance in local water management efforts, highlighting the interconnectedness of water resources and climate resilience in the region.

Dam Length

310

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

CROOKED BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

8

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.