Mitchell Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mitchell Pond Dam, located in Salem, Connecticut, is a private recreational dam situated on the East Branch Eightmile River.


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Summary

With a dam height of 9 feet and a length of 270 feet, this earth dam provides a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 17.4 acres. The dam is state-regulated and falls under the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite not being rated for its condition, Mitchell Pond Dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential. Even though it has not been modified in recent years, the dam has a designated emergency action plan (EAP) in place, although details on its preparedness and adherence to guidelines are not available. The dam's spillway width of 8 feet indicates a capacity to manage potential discharge, and its location in New London County makes it an important water resource for the surrounding area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Mitchell Pond Dam to be an intriguing structure worth exploring and monitoring for its impact on the local ecosystem and water management practices.

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

E BR EIGHTMILE R TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.4

Drainage Area

0.54

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

9
       
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.