Enfield Dam Dam
Enfield Dam
Enfield Dam, located on the Connecticut River in Hartford, Connecticut, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation. Built in 1825, this concrete dam stands at 7 feet high and spans a length of 1550 feet, providing a storage capacity of 10,744 acre-feet. Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Enfield Dam's condition assessment is poor, with a low hazard potential but moderate risk level. The last inspection in 2015 highlighted the need for maintenance and improvement to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam.
The dam's primary purpose for recreation attracts water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy activities along the Connecticut River. However, with a poor condition assessment and moderate risk level, there is a pressing need for investment in maintenance and risk management measures to address potential safety concerns. As a state-regulated and permitted structure, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) oversees the enforcement, inspection, and regulatory aspects of the dam to ensure compliance with safety standards and environmental guidelines. Despite its challenges, Enfield Dam remains a significant landmark in the region, offering opportunities for recreation and water resource exploration.
In light of its historical significance and recreational value, Enfield Dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to engage with Connecticut's natural landscape. With its moderate risk level and poor condition assessment, there is a call for proactive measures to maintain and improve the dam's safety and functionality. As efforts are made to address these challenges, Enfield Dam continues to be a popular destination for outdoor activities and a reminder of the importance of preserving and managing our water resources effectively.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Enfield Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut River At Thompsonville | 4,740 cfs | → |
| Broad Brook At Broad Brook | 11 cfs | → |
| Stony Brook Near West Suffield | 1 cfs | → |
| Westfield River Near Westfield | 107 cfs | → |
| Farmington River At Tariffville | 263 cfs | → |
| Chicopee River At Indian Orchard | 246 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Enfield Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Enfield Dam
Where does the data for Enfield Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.