Mono Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Mono Pond Dam, located in Columbia, Tolland County, Connecticut, stands as a significant Earth dam completed in 1990, with a height of 13 feet and a length of 667 feet.


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Summary

The dam, situated on the Giffords Brook tributary, serves a primary purpose that is classified as 'Other', with state regulation and inspection ensuring its safety and functionality. The dam's hazard potential is deemed 'Significant', yet its condition assessment as of October 2020 was rated as 'Satisfactory', highlighting the commitment to maintaining its integrity.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Mono Pond Dam plays a crucial role in the region's water resource management and flood control efforts. The dam's spillway width of 16 feet and regular inspections every five years reflect a proactive approach to mitigating risks and ensuring public safety. Despite its age, Mono Pond Dam continues to meet regulatory guidelines and remains a vital component of the local infrastructure, safeguarding the surrounding community from potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mono Pond Dam serves as a fascinating example of the intersection between infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety. Its strategic location, state regulation, and satisfactory condition underscore the importance of proactive dam management in ensuring the resilience of water resources in the face of changing climatic conditions. As debates around climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience intensify, Mono Pond Dam stands as a testament to the critical role that well-maintained dams play in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the impacts of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

667

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

GIFFORDS BROOK TRIBUTARY

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
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.