Jennings Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Jennings Pond Dam, located in Chester, Connecticut, is a historic masonry dam completed in 1870 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Spanning Pattaconk Brook, this picturesque dam stands at 21.5 feet high and has a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 95 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 515 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a vital resource for both water management and recreational activities.

Despite its age, Jennings Pond Dam is still in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in November 2020. However, it carries a high hazard potential which necessitates regular inspections and maintenance. The dam, with a length of 115 feet and a surface area of 7 acres, is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Visitors to Jennings Pond can enjoy the serene surroundings and recreational opportunities afforded by the dam, such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. With its rich history and continued importance in water resource management, Jennings Pond Dam remains a valuable asset for the community and a symbol of the intersection between human ingenuity and natural beauty in the Connecticut landscape.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

115

Dam Height

21.5

River Or Stream

PATTACONK BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

8.41

Nid Storage

96

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds