Packers Pond Dam, located in Plainfield, Connecticut, along Mill Brook, is a historic masonry dam completed in 1880 for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 20 feet and a length of 325 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet, providing a serene 21-acre surface area for visitors to enjoy. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 deemed it satisfactory, with a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway type and maximum discharge of 1700 cubic feet per second.
Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with state inspection, permitting, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment are currently moderate, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and management measures. Joe Courtney, the Democratic Congressional Representative for the area, oversees any potential federal involvement in the dam's operations or maintenance.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate Packers Pond Dam not only for its historical significance and recreational opportunities but also for the ongoing efforts to maintain its integrity and safety in the face of potential hazards. With its idyllic location and important role in the local ecosystem, the dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure that requires careful attention and management to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
Year Completed |
1880 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
MILL BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
21 |
Drainage Area |
17.6 |
Nid Storage |
450 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
20 |
Quinebaug River At Jewett City
|
1380cfs |
Little River Near Hanover
|
44cfs |
Shetucket River At Taftville
|
885cfs |
Yantic River At Yantic
|
147cfs |
Shetucket River Near Willimantic
|
777cfs |
Wood River Near Arcadia
|
56cfs |