Meadow Ridge Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Meadow Ridge Detention Dam, located in Redding, Connecticut, serves a crucial role in flood risk reduction within the area.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam stands at a height of 11 feet and spans a length of 240 feet. Despite its important function, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in July 2020 highlighted the need for improvements to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks.

With a surface area of 1.5 acres, Meadow Ridge Detention Dam operates under the supervision of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Despite being a privately owned structure, it falls under state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam lacks certain features such as spillways and outlet gates, raising concerns about its ability to manage high discharge levels during extreme weather events. As climate change brings about more frequent and severe storms, maintaining and upgrading the dam to meet modern safety standards is imperative for protecting both property and lives in the surrounding area.

Ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of Meadow Ridge Detention Dam is crucial for safeguarding the community against flooding risks. With its location in a high hazard potential area, the dam plays a vital role in flood risk reduction efforts. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, addressing the poor condition of the dam and implementing necessary improvements will be essential in enhancing its resilience and effectiveness in protecting the local environment and residents from the threats posed by extreme weather events.

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

11

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.5

Hazard Potential

High

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.