Morey Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

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


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Summary

Situated on the Mt Hop River, the dam has a height of 19 feet and a length of 340 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 396 acre-feet. The dam is state-regulated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with inspection and enforcement measures in place to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Morey Pond Dam is closely monitored to prevent any potential emergencies. Despite this, the dam's condition assessment as of June 2016 was deemed satisfactory. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 412 cubic feet per second. Its location in Windham County, with a surface area of 44 acres and a drainage area of 0.7 square miles, makes it a valuable water resource for the surrounding community.

Overall, Morey Pond Dam serves as a vital recreational and water resource in Ashford, Connecticut, showcasing a blend of historical significance and modern safety measures. As a state-regulated structure, it plays a crucial role in managing water flow, storage, and potential risks in the area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management can appreciate the careful balance between preservation and safety that Morey Pond Dam represents in the region.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

MT HOP RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

44

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

396

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
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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.