Burnt Hill Flood Control Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

The Burnt Hill Flood Control Dam, also known as South Branch Park River Site 4, is a crucial structure located in West Hartford, Connecticut.


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Summary

Constructed in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 38.2 feet in height and spans 1,100 feet in length along the Trout Brook river. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this dam has a storage capacity of 280 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 536 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the State of Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Burnt Hill Dam is inspected every 2 years and has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of May 2015. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam serves as a vital protection measure against potential flooding events in the area, ensuring the safety of nearby communities and infrastructure.

Located in Hartford County, the Burnt Hill Flood Control Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and managing water resources in the region. As a key component of the state's flood risk reduction strategy, this structure highlights the importance of proactive dam management and continuous monitoring to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the resilience of the local ecosystem in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

38.2

River Or Stream

TROUT BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Drainage Area

0.38

Nid Storage

280

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.