Silvia's Lower Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Silvia's Lower Pond Dam, located in Stonington, Connecticut, serves as a crucial resource for fish and wildlife conservation in the area.


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Summary

This private masonry dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans a length of 80 feet, creating a surface area of 2.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.5 acres along Silvia's Brook. Despite its important role in supporting local ecosystems, the dam's condition has been assessed as poor, with a high hazard potential.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Silvia's Lower Pond Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. However, the last inspection dates back to November 1986, indicating a significant gap in monitoring and maintenance efforts. With a need for frequent inspections and potential risk management measures, there is a pressing concern for the safety and integrity of this dam, especially given its location in a high-hazard area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is vital to recognize the importance of maintaining and addressing the condition of dams like Silvia's Lower Pond Dam. With its primary purpose as a fish and wildlife pond, this structure plays a crucial role in supporting local biodiversity. However, the current poor condition and high hazard potential highlight the need for proactive management and investment to ensure the safety of both the dam and the surrounding environment.

Dam Length

80

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

SILVIA'S BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

2.5

Drainage Area

0.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

14
       
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.