Case Brothers Lower Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Case Brothers Lower Pond Dam, located in Manchester, Connecticut, stands as a historic structure completed in 1870 with a primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, made of concrete and measuring 26.5 feet in height, serves as a key feature on Birch Mountain Brook, offering 12.5 acre-feet of storage for recreational use. However, recent inspections have revealed a poor condition assessment, with a significant hazard potential, necessitating regular monitoring due to its moderate risk level.

Despite its age and deteriorating state, the dam remains a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking leisure activities such as fishing and boating on the 1.3-acre surface area of the lower pond. The uncontrolled spillway, 75 feet in width, poses a potential risk in case of emergencies, highlighting the importance of maintaining and assessing this structure regularly. With the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection being the regulatory agency overseeing its operations, efforts must be made to ensure the safety and integrity of Case Brothers Lower Pond Dam for both recreational and environmental purposes.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

26.5

River Or Stream

BIRCH MOUNTAIN BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

1.3

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

12.5

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
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.