Turnpike Pond Dam, located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, was completed in 1900 and serves as a recreational site for water enthusiasts.
Wind
Humidity
The dam, standing at a height of 8.5 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 82 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6.1 acres. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2015, the dam poses a significant hazard potential, prompting inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity for public safety.
Managed by a private owner, Turnpike Pond Dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and falls under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam caters to outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The dam's masonry construction, along with its association with an unnamed river or stream, adds to the picturesque charm of the Middlesex County landscape.
As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of Turnpike Pond Dam become crucial in mitigating potential risks and ensuring sustainable water management. With a history dating back over a century, this dam continues to play a vital role in providing recreational opportunities while also highlighting the importance of resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
75 |
Dam Height |
8.5 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
6.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.15 |
Nid Storage |
82 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
9 |
East Branch Eightmile River Near North Lyme
|
29cfs |
Indian River Near Clinton
|
6cfs |
Eightmile R At North Plain
|
24cfs |
Salmon River Near East Hampton
|
119cfs |
Connecticut R At Middle Haddam
|
14900cfs |
Yantic River At Yantic
|
147cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Camp Bethel
|
||
Youth Site 2
|
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Youth Site 1
|