Key Takeaways
- The Connecticut River is home to 13 notable dams, ranging in height from 7 feet to 170 feet.
- These dams serve various purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and flood control.
- The tallest dam on the Connecticut River is the Comerford Dam in New Hampshire, standing at an impressive 170 feet.
- Several dams, such as the Moore Dam and the Wilder Dam, are over 100 feet tall and have significant storage capacities.
- Many of these dams feature unique design elements, like the concrete timber crib stone construction of the Enfield Dam in Connecticut.
The Connecticut River, winding its way from northern New Hampshire to the Long Island Sound, has long been a vital resource for the communities along its banks. To harness the power of this mighty waterway, numerous dams have been constructed over the centuries, each serving a unique purpose and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape. In this comprehensive list, we will explore the remarkable dams that dot the Connecticut River, showcasing their impressive engineering feats and the vital roles they play in our daily lives.
Heights of the Dams on the Connecticut River:
- Comerford Dam: 170 feet
- Moore Dam: 149 feet
- Northfield Mt. – Main Dam: 145 feet
- Murphy Dam: 106 feet
- First Connecticut Lake Dam: 56 feet
- Wilder Dam: 59 feet
- Vernon Dam: 58 feet
- Gill Dam: 65 feet
- Bellows Falls Dam: 48 feet
- Holyoke Dam: 30 feet
- Second Connecticut Lake Dam: 28 feet
- First Conn Lake South Bay Dike: 14 feet
- Enfield Dam: 7 feet
Comerford Dam
- Height: 170 feet (52 meters)
- Location: About 3 miles from Barnet, Vermont, in Grafton County, New Hampshire
- Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Other Purposes: Recreation
- Dam Type: Concrete earth gravity
- Completed: 1930
- Maximum Storage: 32,270 acre-feet (39,804 million liters) The towering Comerford Dam, standing at an impressive 170 feet, is the tallest dam on the Connecticut River. This concrete earth gravity structure, completed in 1930, was primarily built for hydroelectric power generation but also serves recreational purposes. With a maximum storage capacity of 32,270 acre-feet, the Comerford Dam is a testament to the region’s rich hydropower heritage.
- Length: 2,233 feet (681 meters)
- Spillway: 801 feet (244 meters) wide, uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 297,000 cubic feet per second (8,410 cubic meters per second)
- Hazard Potential: High
- Condition Assessment: Satisfactory (as of April 11, 2023)
Moore Dam
- Height: 149 feet (45 meters)
- Location: About 9 miles from Barnet, Vermont, in Grafton County, New Hampshire
- Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Other Purposes: Recreation
- Dam Type: Concrete earth gravity
- Completed: 1957
- Maximum Storage: 223,722 acre-feet (275,957 million liters) The Moore Dam, standing tall at 149 feet, is the second-highest dam on the Connecticut River. This impressive concrete earth gravity structure, completed in 1957, was designed for hydroelectric power generation and recreational purposes. With a maximum storage capacity of 223,722 acre-feet, the Moore Dam plays a vital role in the region’s energy production and leisure activities.
- Length: 2,920 feet (890 meters)
- Spillway: 373 feet (114 meters) wide, controlled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 211,300 cubic feet per second (5,983 cubic meters per second)
- Hazard Potential: High
- Condition Assessment: Satisfactory (as of April 11, 2023)
Northfield Mt. – Main Dam
- Height: 145 feet (44 meters)
- Location: About 1 mile from Farley, Franklin County, Massachusetts
- Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Other Purposes: Recreation
- Dam Type: Rockfill earth
- Completed: 1973
- Maximum Storage: 21,500 acre-feet (26,520 million liters) The Northfield Mt. – Main Dam, standing at 145 feet, is a remarkable rockfill earth structure located near Farley, Massachusetts. Completed in 1973, this dam was primarily constructed for hydroelectric power generation but also caters to recreational activities. With a maximum storage capacity of 21,500 acre-feet, the Northfield Mt. – Main Dam is a testament to the region’s commitment to sustainable energy production.
- Length: 5,500 feet (1,676 meters)
- No spillways (according to available data)
- Hazard Potential: High
- Condition Assessment: Satisfactory (as of April 11, 2023)
Murphy Dam
- Height: 106 feet (32 meters)
- Location: Pittsburg, Coos County, New Hampshire
- Primary Purpose: Recreation
- Dam Type: Earthen embankment
- Completed: 1938
- Maximum Storage: 132,000 acre-feet (162,819 million liters) The Murphy Dam, standing at 106 feet, is an impressive earthen embankment structure located in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. Primarily built for recreational purposes, this dam offers a scenic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. With a maximum storage capacity of 132,000 acre-feet, the Murphy Dam plays a vital role in maintaining the region’s natural beauty and providing opportunities for leisure activities.
- Length: 2,200 feet (671 meters)
- Spillway: Maximum discharge capacity of 74,000 cubic feet per second (2,095 cubic meters per second)
- Hazard Potential: High
- Condition Assessment: Not Rated (as of June 16, 2022)
First Connecticut Lake Dam
- Height: 56 feet (17 meters)
- Location: Pittsburg, Coos County, New Hampshire
- Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Dam Type: Earthen embankment
- Completed: 1930
- Maximum Storage: 114,000 acre-feet (140,617 million liters) The First Connecticut Lake Dam, standing at 56 feet, is an earthen embankment structure located in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. Primarily built for hydroelectric power generation, this dam harnesses the energy of the Connecticut River to produce clean, renewable electricity. With a maximum storage capacity of 114,000 acre-feet, the First Connecticut Lake Dam plays a crucial role in the region’s energy infrastructure.
- Length: 1,117 feet (340 meters)
- No spillways (according to available data)
- Hazard Potential: High
- Condition Assessment: Fair (as of August 24, 2022)
Wilder Dam
- Height: 59 feet (18 meters)
- Location: About 3 miles from West Lebanon, Grafton County, New Hampshire
- Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Other Purposes: Recreation
- Dam Type: Concrete earth gravity
- Completed: 1950
- Maximum Storage: 55,000 acre-feet (67,841 million liters) The Wilder Dam, standing at 59 feet, is a concrete earth gravity structure located near West Lebanon, New Hampshire. Completed in 1950, this dam was primarily built for hydroelectric power generation but also serves recreational purposes. With a maximum storage capacity of 55,000 acre-feet, the Wilder Dam plays a vital role in providing clean energy and leisure opportunities to the region.
- Length: 2,900 feet (884 meters)
- Spillway: 241 feet (73 meters) wide, controlled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 302,000 cubic feet per second (8,552 cubic meters per second)
- Hazard Potential: High
- Condition Assessment: Satisfactory (as of April 11, 2023)
Vernon Dam
- Height: 58 feet (18 meters)
- Location: Vernon, Vermont, in Cheshire County, New Hampshire
- Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Other Purposes: Recreation
- Dam Type: Concrete gravity
- Completed: 1909
- Maximum Storage: 54,000 acre-feet (66,608 million liters) The Vernon Dam, standing at 58 feet, is a concrete gravity structure located in Vernon, Vermont. Completed in 1909, this historic dam was primarily built for hydroelectric power generation but also serves recreational purposes. With a maximum storage capacity of 54,000 acre-feet, the Vernon Dam has been a vital part of the region’s energy infrastructure for over a century.
- Length: 956 feet (291 meters)
- Spillway: Maximum discharge capacity of 224,700 cubic feet per second (6,363 cubic meters per second)
- Hazard Potential: Low
- Condition Assessment: Satisfactory (as of April 11, 2023)
Gill Dam
- Height: 65 feet (20 meters)
- Location: About 1 mile from Turners Falls, Franklin County, Massachusetts
- Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Other Purposes: Recreation
- Dam Type: Concrete gravity
- Completed: 1970
- Maximum Storage: 21,500 acre-feet (26,520 million liters) The Gill Dam, standing at 65 feet, is a concrete gravity structure located near Turners Falls, Massachusetts. Completed in 1970, this dam was primarily built for hydroelectric power generation but also serves recreational purposes. With a maximum storage capacity of 21,500 acre-feet, the Gill Dam plays a vital role in providing clean energy and leisure opportunities to the region.
- Length: 493 feet (150 meters)
- Spillway: Maximum discharge capacity of 56,000 cubic feet per second (1,586 cubic meters per second)
- Hazard Potential: Low
- Condition Assessment: Satisfactory (as of April 11, 2023)
Bellows Falls Dam
- Height: 48 feet (15 meters)
- Location: Bellows Falls, Vermont, in Cheshire County, New Hampshire
- Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Other Purposes: Recreation
- Dam Type: Concrete gravity
- Completed: 1907
- Maximum Storage: 30,000 acre-feet (37,004 million liters) The Bellows Falls Dam, standing at 48 feet, is a concrete gravity structure located in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Completed in 1907, this historic dam was primarily built for hydroelectric power generation but also serves recreational purposes. With a maximum storage capacity of 30,000 acre-feet, the Bellows Falls Dam has been a vital part of the region’s energy infrastructure for over a century.
- Length: 643 feet (196 meters)
- Spillway: Maximum discharge capacity of 157,600 cubic feet per second (4,463 cubic meters per second)
- Hazard Potential: Low
- Condition Assessment: Satisfactory (as of April 11, 2023)
Holyoke Dam
- Height: 30 feet (9 meters)
- Location: Holyoke, Hampshire County, Massachusetts
- Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Other Purposes: Recreation
- Dam Type: Masonry concrete gravity
- Completed: 1900
- Maximum Storage: 26,000 acre-feet (32,070 million liters)
The Holyoke Dam, standing at 30 feet, is a unique masonry concrete gravity structure located in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Completed in 1900, this historic dam was primarily built for hydroelectric power generation but also serves recreational purposes. With a maximum storage capacity of 26,000 acre-feet, the Holyoke Dam has been a vital part of the region’s energy infrastructure for over a century.
- Length: 1,770 feet (539 meters)
- Spillway: 1,020 feet (311 meters) wide, controlled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 251,400 cubic feet per second (7,119 cubic meters per second)
- Hazard Potential: Significant
- Condition Assessment: Satisfactory (as of April 11, 2023)
Second Connecticut Lake Dam
- Height: 28 feet (9 meters)
- Location: Pittsburg, Coos County, New Hampshire
- Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation
- Dam Type: Earthen embankment
- Completed: 1849 (Original construction before 1900, modified in 1934)
- Maximum Storage: 12,500 acre-feet (15,419 million liters)
The Second Connecticut Lake Dam, standing at 28 feet, is an earthen embankment structure located in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. Originally constructed before 1900 and modified in 1934, this historic dam was primarily built for hydroelectric power generation. With a maximum storage capacity of 12,500 acre-feet, the Second Connecticut Lake Dam has played a vital role in the region’s energy infrastructure for over a century.
First Conn Lake South Bay Dike
- Height: 14 feet (4 meters)
- Location: Pittsburg, Coos County, New Hampshire
- Primary Purpose: Recreation
- Dam Type: Earthen embankment
- Completed: Undetermined
- Maximum Storage: 38,950 acre-feet (48,044 million liters)
- Length: 390 feet (119 meters)
The First Conn Lake South Bay Dike, standing at 14 feet, is an earthen embankment structure located in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. Primarily built for recreational purposes, this dike contributes to the region’s natural beauty and leisure opportunities. With a maximum storage capacity of 38,950 acre-feet, the First Conn Lake South Bay Dike plays a vital role in maintaining the area’s water resources.
- Length: 390 feet (119 meters)
- No spillways (according to available data)
- Hazard Potential: Low
- Condition Assessment: Fair (as of September 16, 2020)
The First Conn Lake South Bay Dike, standing at 14 feet, is an earthen embankment structure located in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. Primarily built for recreational purposes, this dike contributes to the region’s natural beauty and leisure opportunities. With a maximum storage capacity of 38,950 acre-feet, the First Conn Lake South Bay Dike plays a vital role in maintaining the area’s water resources.
FAQ
- What is the primary purpose of the dams along the Connecticut River?
The primary purposes of the dams along the Connecticut River include hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and flood control. Many of these dams serve multiple purposes, combining energy production with recreational opportunities and water resource management. - Which is the tallest dam on the Connecticut River?
The Comerford Dam, located in Grafton County, New Hampshire, is the tallest dam on the Connecticut River, standing at an impressive height of 170 feet (52 meters). - Are these dams safe for the surrounding communities?
Yes, these dams are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure the safety of the surrounding communities. Each dam has a hazard potential rating and undergoes condition assessments to identify and address any potential issues. - Can visitors access these dams for recreational activities?
Many of these dams offer recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating, and hiking trails. However, it’s important to follow all safety guidelines and regulations when visiting these sites. - How do these dams contribute to the region’s energy production?
Several dams along the Connecticut River, including the Comerford Dam, Moore Dam, and Wilder Dam, are primarily dedicated to hydroelectric power generation. These dams harness the power of the river to produce clean, renewable energy for the surrounding communities. - What is the oldest dam on the Connecticut River?
The Enfield Dam, located in Hartford County, Connecticut, is believed to be the oldest dam on the Connecticut River. Originally constructed before 1900, this historic dam has been a part of the region’s landscape for over two centuries. - How do these dams impact the local ecosystem?
While dams can provide numerous benefits, they can also have an impact on the local ecosystem. Careful environmental assessments and mitigation measures are taken to minimize potential negative effects on fish migration, water quality, and other ecological factors. - Are there any plans for future dam construction or modifications along the Connecticut River?
As of now, there are no publicly announced plans for new dam construction or major modifications to existing dams along the Connecticut River. However, ongoing maintenance and upgrades may be conducted to ensure the safety and efficiency of these structures.
By harnessing the power of the mighty Connecticut River, these remarkable dams have played a crucial role in shaping the region’s energy landscape, recreational opportunities, and natural resources. From the towering Comerford Dam to the historic Enfield Dam, each structure stands as a testament to human ingenuity and our enduring quest to harness the forces of nature for the betterment of our communities.