Nystrom Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nystrom Pond Dam, located in Litchfield, Connecticut, is a concrete dam completed in 1889 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 15.5 feet and a length of 140 feet, creates a surface area of 17.4 acres and has a normal storage capacity of 130 acre-feet. It is situated on Turner Brook and is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Nystrom Pond Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of August 2017. The dam has a moderate risk rating, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. It lacks emergency action plans and inundation maps, which may pose challenges in case of a dam failure. With a spillway width of 20 feet and a maximum discharge of 390 cubic feet per second, the dam requires ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to ensure public safety and water resource sustainability in the region.

Overall, Nystrom Pond Dam serves as a valuable recreational resource in Northfield, but its deteriorating condition and significant hazard potential underscore the importance of proactive risk management and emergency preparedness. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to advocate for the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Nystrom Pond to mitigate risks and ensure the resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1889

Dam Length

140

Dam Height

15.5

River Or Stream

TURNER BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

17.4

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

193

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
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.