Pickerel Lake Dam, located in East Haddam, Connecticut, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1870 for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans 495 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 886 acre-feet and a surface area of 88.6 acres. The dam is situated on Pickerel Lake Brook, within the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Pickerel Lake Dam is currently assessed as being in fair condition as of the last inspection in May 2015. The dam features a valve outlet gate and a spillway width of 82 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2411 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it remains a vital component of the recreational landscape in Middlesex County, serving as a popular destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
With its historical significance dating back over a century, Pickerel Lake Dam continues to play a crucial role in providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. As efforts to ensure the dam's safety and functionality persist, the site stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and natural landscapes, offering a picturesque setting for individuals to appreciate the beauty of Connecticut's water resources amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
Year Completed |
1870 |
Dam Length |
495 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
PICKEREL LAKE BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
88.6 |
Drainage Area |
1.39 |
Nid Storage |
886 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Salmon River Near East Hampton
|
119cfs |
Connecticut R At Middle Haddam
|
14900cfs |
Eightmile R At North Plain
|
24cfs |
East Branch Eightmile River Near North Lyme
|
29cfs |
Coginchaug River At Middlefield
|
60cfs |
Yantic River At Yantic
|
147cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Camp Bethel
|
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Youth Site 1
|
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Youth Site 2
|
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Laurel Lock Camp
|
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Camp Farnam
|