Beachdale Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beachdale Pond Dam, located in Voluntown, Connecticut, is a state-owned structure on the Pauchaug River with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, made of stone with a height of 9 feet and a length of 200 feet, creates a surface area of 46 acres and a drainage area of 28.1 square miles. While the dam is in fair condition according to a 2015 assessment, it has a significant hazard potential, making regular inspections crucial to ensure safety.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Beachdale Pond Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. The dam has a spillway width of 41 feet and is subject to a 5-year inspection frequency. Although the exact year of completion is unknown, the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for the community while also posing a potential risk in case of emergencies. With its picturesque location and historical significance, Beachdale Pond Dam serves as an important asset in the local water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in Connecticut.

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

PAUCHAUG RIVER

Surface Area

46

Drainage Area

28.1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.