Butternut Hollow Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Starr Mill Pond Upper Mill Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Butternut Hollow Pond Dam, located in Middletown, Connecticut, is a concrete structure completed in 1935 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
This 14-foot high dam with a length of 300 feet creates a surface area of 4 acres and a drainage area of 0.58 square miles. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition and has a significant hazard potential, prompting inspections every 5 years to ensure public safety.
Owned by the local government and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Butternut Hollow Pond Dam has a normal storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 45 cubic feet per second. The dam does not have associated locks or spillways, but its spillway width is 12 feet. With its last inspection in 2017 and a history of compliance with safety regulations, the dam serves as a vital recreational resource while being mindful of environmental impacts and public safety concerns.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Butternut Hollow Pond Dam represents a balance between human recreation and responsible infrastructure management. As a key component of Connecticut's water resource system, this dam showcases the importance of regular maintenance, emergency preparedness, and risk assessment in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against potential hazards. With its historical significance and ongoing commitment to safety, Butternut Hollow Pond Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of environmental stewardship and recreational enjoyment in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.58 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Coginchaug River At Middlefield
|
60cfs |
Connecticut R At Middle Haddam
|
14900cfs |
Salmon River Near East Hampton
|
119cfs |
Quinnipiac River At Wallingford
|
147cfs |
Quinnipiac River At Southington
|
16cfs |
Mill R Nr Hamden
|
20cfs |
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.
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