Gale Pond Dam, located in Bloomfield, Connecticut, is a privately owned structure built in 1930 for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, standing at a height of 10 feet and stretching 165 feet in length, holds back the waters of Tumble Brook, creating a surface area of 12 acres and a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge rate of 60 cubic feet per second, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, yet its condition assessment in 2015 deemed it to be satisfactory.
Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Gale Pond Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safe operation. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam lacks an updated emergency action plan and inundation maps, raising concerns about its readiness for potential hazards. The dam's spillway, with a width of 18 feet, is uncontrolled, emphasizing the need for proper risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats to downstream communities.
Overall, Gale Pond Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in the Hartford County area, offering opportunities for leisure activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the dam's maintenance and risk management practices to safeguard both the environment and surrounding communities from any unforeseen emergencies or failures.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
165 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
TUMBLE BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
12 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
10 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
DEEP campsite
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Primitve Camping Area
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Roaring Brook Camp Area
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Beech Grove 5
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Begins Below The Tailrace Of The Rainbow Dam To The Confluence With The Connecticut River
The Confluence Of The East And West Branches To The Confluence With The Farmington River In East Granby
The Confluence With The Nepaug River To A Point 0.2 Miles Below The Lower Collinsville Dam Tailrace
Begins Below The Tailrace Of The Lower Collinsville Dam To The Route 187 Bridge
New Hartford/Canton Town Line To The Confluence With The Nepaug River
The Hartland Headwaters To The Confluence With The Salmon Brook Main Stem