Located in South Norfolk, Connecticut, West Side Flood Control Dam #5, also known as Blackberry Flood Control Site #5, was completed in 1970 by the USDA NRCS.
Wind
Humidity
This earth dam, standing at 20 feet high and stretching 730 feet in length, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Spaulding Brook. With a storage capacity of 1780 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 3000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Owned and regulated by the state of Connecticut, West Side Flood Control Dam #5 is inspected every two years and has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition. With a high hazard potential attributed to its location and purpose, the dam's risk assessment stands at a moderate level. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet the necessary safety guidelines and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. The presence of Natural Resources Conservation Service as the designer ensures that the dam's construction and maintenance uphold the highest standards.
West Side Flood Control Dam #5 not only serves as a critical infrastructure for flood control in Litchfield County, but also highlights the collaboration between state and federal agencies in protecting communities from water-related disasters. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources management, the importance of well-designed and maintained structures like this dam cannot be overstated. With its history of successful operation and ongoing regulatory oversight, West Side Flood Control Dam #5 stands as a testament to the commitment to safeguarding lives and properties from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
730 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
SPAULDING BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9.9 |
Drainage Area |
2.9 |
Nid Storage |
1780 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Belter's Campsites
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White Pines Campsites
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Camp Workcoeman
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Camp Sequassen
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Sharon Mountain Campsite
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Haws Memorial - American Legion State Forest
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