Talcott Flood Control Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Talcott Flood Control Dam #2, also known as South Branch Park River Main Dam, is a state-owned structure located in West Hartford, Connecticut.


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Summary

Designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 18.5 feet and has a length of 2860 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 1205 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3500 cubic feet per second.

The dam is situated on the Trout Brook Tributary and is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 90 feet and is classified as having a high hazard potential. Despite this, the dam's condition assessment in 2015 deemed it satisfactory, with a moderate risk level. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in November 2015, and the structure undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its safety and effectiveness in flood control.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Talcott Flood Control Dam #2 to be an important asset in managing flood risk in the Hartford area. Its strategic location, design, and operational features contribute to the protection of surrounding communities from potential flooding events. As a state-regulated structure with a focus on flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a critical component of Connecticut's water resource management infrastructure, showcasing the collaborative efforts between government agencies and designers to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events on the local environment and population.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

2860

Dam Height

18.5

River Or Stream

TROUT BROOK TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

80.5

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

1205

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.