Whitney Flood Control Site #1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Whitney Flood Control Site #1, also known as Whitney Reservoir Site #1, is a state-owned structure located in Tolland, Connecticut, designed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
Completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at 52 feet high and spans 1400 feet in length, serving primarily for flood risk reduction along the Patten Brook. With a normal storage capacity of 1070 acre-feet and a surface area of 80 acres, the site plays a vital role in managing water flow and mitigating potential hazards.
Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Whitney Flood Control Site #1 boasts a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2015. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates reflect its design for efficient water discharge during high flow events, with a maximum discharge capacity of 4170 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk rating, the site remains a crucial component in the state's flood control infrastructure, requiring regular inspections and potential risk management measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Overall, Whitney Flood Control Site #1 stands as a key piece of Connecticut's water resource management efforts, providing essential flood risk reduction capabilities along the Patten Brook. With its significant storage capacity, strategic location, and state-regulated oversight, the site continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding surrounding communities from potential water-related emergencies. As climate change impacts intensify, maintaining and enhancing the site's infrastructure will be essential to ensuring its continued effectiveness in protecting the region's water resources and residents.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
52 |
River Or Stream |
PATTEN BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
80 |
Drainage Area |
2.9 |
Nid Storage |
1960 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
52 |
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.
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