Farm Brook Flood Control Site #1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Farm Brook Flood Control Site #1 Dam, also known as Farm Brook Pond Site #1, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Hamden, Connecticut.


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Summary

Constructed in 1974 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet and spans a length of 1210 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 179 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 73 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area.

Managed by the state agency DEEP, the Farm Brook Flood Control Site #1 Dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 80 cubic feet per second through an uncontrolled spillway. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment in 2015 deemed it satisfactory. Regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure the dam's structural integrity and overall safety. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam serves as a key asset in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

Overall, the Farm Brook Flood Control Site #1 Dam serves as a significant infrastructure for flood risk reduction in New Haven County, Connecticut. With its strategic location on the FARM BROOK TRIB, this dam, designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, plays a critical role in managing water flow, safeguarding lives and properties, and maintaining the ecological balance in the region. As climate change intensifies, structures like this dam are essential in building resilience against extreme weather events and ensuring sustainable water resource management for future generations.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

1210

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

FARM BROOK TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18.4

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

179

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

11
       
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.