South Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

South Pond Dam, located in Salisbury, Connecticut, serves as a vital recreational resource for the community.


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Summary

Built in 1850, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and spans a length of 300 feet, creating a storage capacity of 1206 acre-feet. The dam impounds the Wachocastinook Creek, providing a surface area of 138 acres and a normal storage capacity of 731 acre-feet for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation.

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, South Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its age and condition. However, the dam has been assessed as satisfactory, with the last inspection conducted in December 2014. The dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement measures to maintain its structural integrity and safety for the surrounding community.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, South Pond Dam serves as a crucial component in managing water levels and providing recreational opportunities in the region. With proper maintenance and oversight, this historic dam will continue to play a key role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Salisbury, Connecticut.

Year Completed

1850

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

WACHOCASTINOOK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

138

Drainage Area

3.43

Nid Storage

1206

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.