Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam Dam
Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam
The Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam, located in Wolcott, Connecticut, is a vital structure used for recreational purposes. Completed in 1919, this earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and spans 788 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 3,100 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the Old Tannery Brook and serves as a key feature in the local landscape, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure.
Despite its fair condition assessment, the Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its age and the potential risks associated with dam failure. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure the dam's integrity and safety, with the last assessment taking place in December 2019. The dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and meets state permitting and enforcement requirements, underscoring the commitment to maintaining its structural soundness and public safety.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam presents a unique blend of historical significance and environmental stewardship. As a primary source of recreation in the area, the dam exemplifies the balance between human enjoyment and the responsible management of water resources. Its location within the New Haven County, surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife, underscores the importance of preserving and protecting our water infrastructure for future generations to come.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Naugatuck River At Thomaston | 22 cfs | → |
| Quinnipiac River At Southington | 10 cfs | → |
| Nonewaug River At Minortown | 4 cfs | → |
| Naugatuck River At Beacon Falls | 113 cfs | → |
| Weekeepeemee River At Hotchkissville | 7 cfs | → |
| Farmington River At Unionville | 143 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam
Where does the data for Chestnut Hill Reservoir Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.