Beach Pond Dam, located in Voluntown, Connecticut, is a state-regulated earth dam constructed in 1885 with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 350 feet, impounding a maximum storage capacity of 5,800 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 4,100 acre-feet. Situated on the Pachaug River, the dam has a significant hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in October 2018.
With a drainage area of 4.98 square miles, Beach Pond Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, with a surface area of 459 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 365 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam is regularly inspected by state authorities, with a mandated inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in September 1982, highlighting the need for updated risk assessment and management measures in the face of changing climate conditions and potential hazards.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the New London County in Connecticut, Beach Pond Dam offers not only recreational opportunities but also serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water storage. As climate change intensifies, the resilience and sustainability of this historic dam will be essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of the surrounding communities. With proper maintenance and risk assessment, Beach Pond Dam can continue to stand as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship.
Year Completed |
1885 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
PACHAUG RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
459 |
Drainage Area |
4.98 |
Nid Storage |
5800 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
12 |
Wood River Near Arcadia
|
56cfs |
Pendleton Hill Brook Near Clarks Falls
|
8cfs |
Wood River At Hope Valley
|
121cfs |
Quinebaug River At Jewett City
|
1380cfs |
Nooseneck River At Nooseneck
|
16cfs |
Beaver River Near Usquepaug
|
14cfs |