Morgan Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Morgan Pond Dam, located in Groton, Connecticut, serves as a crucial water supply infrastructure managed by the local government.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 45 feet and spans 1350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 5355 acre-feet. Situated on the Great Brook, the dam plays a vital role in providing water to the surrounding area while also serving as a recreational spot with its surface area of 255 acres.

Maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Morgan Pond Dam is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a significant hazard potential, the dam is classified as satisfactory in its condition assessment as of November 2018. Despite the absence of a spillway type, the dam boasts a spillway width of 40 feet to manage maximum discharge of 3005 cubic feet per second, highlighting the importance of its design in flood control and water management strategies for the region.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts will appreciate the critical role that Morgan Pond Dam plays in safeguarding water supply and managing potential risks in the New London County area. As a key piece of infrastructure with a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam exemplifies the intersection of engineering innovation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1350

Dam Height

45

River Or Stream

GREAT BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

255

Drainage Area

3.35

Nid Storage

5355

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

45
       
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.