Blue Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Blue Lake Dam, also known as Anderson Pond, is nestled in North Stonington, Connecticut, along the serene Ashwillet Brook.


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Summary

Completed in 1900, this earthen dam stands at 10 feet high and stretches 135 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 243 acre-feet for recreational purposes. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 50 feet wide, can handle a maximum discharge of 146 cubic feet per second, ensuring water safety and management in the area.

Managed by a private entity, Blue Lake Dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. The dam's condition has been assessed as satisfactory, with a significant hazard potential due to its location and storage capacity. Despite the moderate risk level assigned, the dam remains a popular spot for recreation enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape in the picturesque surroundings of New London County.

With a surface area of 54.3 acres and a drainage area of 1.52 square miles, Blue Lake Dam offers a tranquil oasis for locals and visitors alike. Its historical significance, coupled with its modern-day recreational purpose, makes it a valuable asset in the water resource and climate conservation landscape of Connecticut. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the responsible management and maintenance of dams like Blue Lake Dam will be crucial in ensuring sustainable water use and environmental protection for future generations.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

135

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

ASHWILLET BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

54.3

Drainage Area

1.52

Nid Storage

243

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.