Upper Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lockwood Lake Dam Boulder Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Mill Pond Dam in Clinton, Connecticut, is a historic masonry dam completed in 1813, standing at a height of 8.2 feet and stretching 82.5 feet in length along the Indian River.
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Summary
The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene surface area of 16.5 acres and a drainage area of 6.55 square miles. With a storage capacity of 56.1 acre-feet, the dam provides vital water resources for the local community while also enhancing the natural landscape for visitors to enjoy.
Despite its age, Upper Mill Pond Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition as of the last inspection in 1984. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations. Located in Middlesex County, the dam is a significant feature along the Indian River, contributing to the local ecosystem and providing a peaceful recreational spot for residents and tourists. While its risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures are not fully documented, the dam continues to be a valued asset for water resource management and climate enthusiasts in the region.
Upper Mill Pond Dam stands as a testament to early American engineering and the importance of water infrastructure in sustaining communities and ecosystems. With its rich history and functional purpose for recreation and water storage, the dam remains a focal point in Clinton, Connecticut, offering a glimpse into the past while supporting present-day needs. As climate change poses challenges to water resources, the maintenance and preservation of dams like Upper Mill Pond are crucial for ensuring sustainable water management and environmental resilience in the face of evolving weather patterns and growing water demands.
Year Completed |
1813 |
Dam Length |
82.5 |
Dam Height |
8.2 |
River Or Stream |
INDIAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
16.5 |
Drainage Area |
6.55 |
Nid Storage |
56.1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Upper Mill Pond Dam
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Hammonasset Beach State Park
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