Nichols Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nichols Pond Dam, located in Oxford, Connecticut, serves as a significant recreational resource for the community.


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Summary

With a height of 10 feet and a length of 200 feet, this earth dam creates a 10-acre pond, providing opportunities for activities like fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The dam is situated on Eightmile Brook and is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2014, Nichols Pond Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in October 2019, to ensure the dam's structural integrity and overall safety. Emergency action plans are essential for preparedness, although specific details regarding the dam's emergency protocols are not available. Overall, Nichols Pond Dam serves as a vital recreational and environmental asset in New Haven County, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to enjoy the beauty of this man-made water feature in a natural setting.

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

EIGHTMILE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.