Spencer Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Big Pond Dam Indian Hollow Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Spencer Pond Dam, located in Windham, Connecticut, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1900, this earth dam stands at a height of 4.5 feet with a length of 900 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 170 acre-feet. Situated on the Shetucket River Tributary, the dam has a significant hazard potential and is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Although last inspected in 1988, Spencer Pond Dam is subject to state regulatory oversight, including regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement measures. The dam's spillway width is 20 feet, with a maximum discharge capability of 140 cubic feet per second. Despite being in operation for over a century, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," suggesting a need for further evaluation and maintenance to ensure its long-term safety and stability.
With its picturesque location in Lebanon, Spencer Pond Dam offers a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities. As an essential part of the local water resource infrastructure, the dam plays a vital role in managing water levels and providing a source of leisure for the community. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and oversight of structures like Spencer Pond Dam are crucial to ensure their resilience and safety in the face of evolving environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
4.5 |
River Or Stream |
SHETUCKET RIVER TRIB |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
34 |
Drainage Area |
0.62 |
Nid Storage |
170 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
5 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Shetucket River Near Willimantic
|
702cfs |
Natchaug River At Willimantic
|
320cfs |
Little River Near Hanover
|
44cfs |
Yantic River At Yantic
|
105cfs |
Willimantic River Near Coventry
|
161cfs |
Shetucket River At Taftville
|
819cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Spencer Pond Dam
Jerusalem Road South Windham