Nepaug Phelps Dam Dam
Nepaug Phelps Dam
Nepaug Phelps Dam, also known as Nepaug Reservoir, is a historic masonry dam located in Burlington, Connecticut, along the Farmington River. Built in 1916, this dam serves a primary purpose of water supply, with a storage capacity of 40,540 acre-feet and a normal storage of 29,300 acre-feet. Covering an area of 850 acres and draining a watershed of 31.9 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
With a height of 67 feet and a length of 1250 feet, Nepaug Phelps Dam stands as a significant structure in the state, regulated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). It has a fair condition assessment and a high hazard potential, making regular inspections and maintenance crucial. The dam features a valve outlet gate and is associated with two other structures, contributing to the overall water management system in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Nepaug Phelps Dam presents a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering designed to meet the water supply needs of the community. Its location in the picturesque Hartford County adds to its allure, while its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight highlight the importance of sustainable dam operations in the face of changing environmental conditions. As a key component of the local water infrastructure, Nepaug Phelps Dam continues to play a vital role in ensuring a reliable water supply for Unionville and beyond.
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 Nepaug Phelps Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington Brook Near Burlington | 1 cfs | → |
| Farmington River At Unionville | 143 cfs | → |
| Naugatuck River At Thomaston | 22 cfs | → |
| North Branch Park R At Hartford | 4 cfs | → |
| Farmington River At Tariffville | 263 cfs | → |
| West Branch Farmington River At Riverton | 119 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Nepaug Phelps 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 Nepaug Phelps Dam
Where does the data for Nepaug Phelps 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.