Towantic Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Towantic Pond Dam in Oxford, Connecticut, was constructed in 1870 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, made of masonry, stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 285 acre-feet. With a surface area of 30.3 acres and sitting on the Long Meadow Pond Brook, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities and water recreation in the area.

Despite its recreational significance, Towantic Pond Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The last inspection in 2014 revealed its poor state, leading to a moderate risk assessment of 3 out of 5. While the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspection, its condition raises concerns about its safety and long-term viability, highlighting the need for potential risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities and the environment.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Towantic Pond Dam becomes increasingly crucial. With its historical significance and recreational value, efforts to improve the dam's condition and mitigate potential risks are essential in ensuring the safety and sustainability of this water resource for future generations of enthusiasts and the local community.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

75

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

LONG MEADOW POND BK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

30.3

Drainage Area

0.48

Nid Storage

285

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.