North Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Pond Dam, also known as Camp Laurelwood, is a privately-owned structure located in Madison, Connecticut.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans 110 feet in length, serving primarily for recreational purposes. Situated on the Hammonasset River tributary, it has a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), North Pond Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, with the last inspection conducted in December 2003. While there are no emergency action plans or risk assessments in place, the dam has a spillway width of 8 feet and a maximum discharge of 79 cubic feet per second, ensuring proper flood control and water management for the surrounding area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, North Pond Dam presents a fascinating case study in dam infrastructure and management. As a vital component in the local ecosystem and recreational landscape, understanding its design features, operational history, and regulatory oversight can provide valuable insights into the intersection of human development and environmental stewardship in water resource management.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

110

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

HAMMONASSET R TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

4.5

Nid Storage

100

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.