Bugbee Flood Control Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bugbee Flood Control Dam, also known as South Branch Park River Site 2, is a state-owned structure in West Hartford, Connecticut, designed by USDA NRCS to primarily reduce flood risks in the area.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1969, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches 410 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1300 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Trout Brook Trib and is regulated by the state agency DEEP, with inspections conducted every two years to ensure its satisfactory condition.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 16 feet, capable of discharging up to 6000 cubic feet per second in the event of excessive rainfall. Despite its high hazard potential, Bugbee Flood Control Dam has been assessed as satisfactory and currently meets regulatory guidelines for risk management. While there have been no modifications in recent years, the dam remains a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area, serving as a vital component of the local water resource management system. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bugbee Flood Control Dam is a significant structure to study in the context of flood mitigation and emergency preparedness.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

410

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TROUT BROOK TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

157

Drainage Area

1.86

Nid Storage

1300

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.