Case Brothers Upper Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Case Brothers Upper Pond Dam, located in Manchester, Connecticut, stands as a testament to historic masonry dam construction, completed in 1870 for the primary purpose of recreation along Birch Mountain Brook.
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Summary
With a height of 16 feet and a length of 300 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a surface area of 8 acres. Despite its age and poor condition assessment, the dam remains a significant hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by private owners and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the dam's uncontrolled spillway and limited drainage area of 1.7 square miles pose challenges for effective flood control and risk management. The last inspection in July 2019 highlighted the dam's poor condition, prompting the need for more frequent inspections every 5 years to ensure public safety and environmental protection. With a significant hazard potential and a risk assessment rating of 3, the Case Brothers Upper Pond Dam serves as a valuable but aging infrastructure in need of proactive maintenance and risk mitigation measures to safeguard its surrounding community and water resources.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure resilience, the Case Brothers Upper Pond Dam represents a critical focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its historical significance and recreational value, the dam's maintenance and risk management efforts serve as a reminder of the importance of adaptive strategies in the face of evolving climate challenges. By closely monitoring the dam's condition, implementing necessary repairs, and enhancing emergency preparedness, stakeholders can ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of this iconic structure amidst a changing climate landscape.
Year Completed |
1870 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
BIRCH MOUNTAIN BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
1.7 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Case Brothers Upper Pond Dam
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