Bissonette Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bissonette Pond Dam, located in Willington, Connecticut, serves as a picturesque recreational spot along the Fenton River.


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Summary

This masonry dam, completed in 1930, stands at a height of 6 feet and spans 250 feet, creating a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a surface area of 50 acres. The dam is state-regulated and inspected regularly by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

With a spillway width of 31 feet and a maximum discharge of 223 cubic feet per second, Bissonette Pond Dam is designed to manage water flow during periods of high precipitation. Despite being classified as a dam with a significant hazard potential, its condition assessment in 2015 deemed it satisfactory, with a moderate risk rating. The dam's purpose primarily revolves around recreation, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to its serene surroundings for activities like fishing, boating, and nature observation.

Although Bissonette Pond Dam does not fall under federal ownership or funding, its vital role in water management and recreation in the region highlights the importance of private ownership in maintaining and managing infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the proper regulation and maintenance of dams like Bissonette Pond are crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water systems for both human and environmental needs.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

6

River Or Stream

FENTON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

50

Drainage Area

4.39

Nid Storage

200

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

6
       
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.