Lower Bolton Lake Dam

Lower Bolton Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Tolland County, Connecticut, built in 1940. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Lower Bolton Lake Dam

The primary purpose of Lower Bolton Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Connecticut Deep (state). It impounds the Bolton Pond Brook near Quarryville.

The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 1,080 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 176 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,325 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1940, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/19/2021.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateConnecticut
CountyTolland
Nearest CityQuarryville
River/StreamBolton Pond Brook
Coordinates41.79941, -72.42610

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height20 ft
Dam Height20 ft
Dam Length1,080 ft
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage2,325 acre-ft
Max Storage2,325 acre-ft
Normal Storage2,325 acre-ft
Surface Area176 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge8,400 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerConnecticut DEEP
Owner TypeState
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection10/19/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCT00509
Federal IDCT00509
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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