Turners Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Turners Pond Dam, located in Hamden, Connecticut, is a private-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, made of concrete and masonry, has a height of 7.7 feet and a length of 80 feet, creating a surface area of 8 acres on Shepard Brook. While it does not have a significant storage capacity, it is important for the local community's enjoyment and environmental impact.

Despite being privately owned, Turners Pond Dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The dam has been classified with a significant hazard potential and its condition has not been rated since the last inspection in September 2014. Emergency action plans and risk assessments are not currently in place, raising concerns about the dam's safety and potential impact in case of a failure.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the condition and regulatory oversight of dams like Turners Pond Dam to ensure their safety and environmental impact. Increased attention to emergency preparedness and risk management measures are needed to mitigate potential hazards associated with this structure. Additionally, collaboration between private owners, state agencies, and the community is essential to guarantee the sustainable use of this recreational resource while safeguarding the surrounding ecosystem.

Dam Length

80

Dam Height

7.7

River Or Stream

SHEPARD BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

2.62

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

8
       
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.