Goose Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Warren, Connecticut, Goose Pond Dam is a privately owned structure on the East Branch Shepaug River tributary.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 11 feet high and spans 500 feet in length, primarily serving recreational purposes for the community. With a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and a surface area of 18 acres, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition.

Despite its last inspection dating back to November 1988, Goose Pond Dam remains under state regulation and jurisdiction with permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The dam does not fall under federal agency ownership or funding. While it lacks recent assessment data such as its condition and emergency action plan (EAP) status, the dam's low hazard potential suggests minimal risk to surrounding areas.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Goose Pond Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational structure in a rural setting. Its historical significance, coupled with its modest size and low hazard potential, offers an opportunity for further investigation into the management and maintenance practices of such dams in the region. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding the regulatory oversight and risk assessment of dams like Goose Pond will be vital for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure in the future.

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

E BR SHEPAUG R TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

72

Hazard Potential

Low

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.