Cold Spring Flood Control Site #9 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Cold Spring Flood Control Site #9 Dam, also known as North Branch Park River Site 9, is a state-owned dam located in West Hartford, Connecticut.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1968 by designer Anderson_Nichols, this earth dam stands 20 feet tall and spans 1040 feet along the Tumble Brook. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 1760 acre-feet and a surface area of 137 acres.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2015 was deemed satisfactory. While having an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a risk management plan yet to be detailed. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and inundation maps readiness are currently unknown, reflecting potential areas for improvement in emergency preparedness.

Located in the New England District, Cold Spring Flood Control Site #9 Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area. With its strategic position along Tumble Brook, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for flood control efforts in Hartford County. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the functionality and condition of such dams is essential for ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in the face of changing weather patterns and increasing flood risks.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

1040

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TUMBLE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

137

Drainage Area

1.94

Nid Storage

1760

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

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.
View more

Area Campgrounds