Sterling Pond Dam
Sterling Pond Dam is an earth dam located in Windham County, Connecticut, built in 1870. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Sterling Pond Dam
The primary purpose of Sterling Pond Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Town Of Sterling (local government). It impounds the Moosup River near Sterling.
The dam stands 19 feet tall and stretches 1,010 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 16 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 125 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 42 square miles. Completed in 1870, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 09/19/2024.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Connecticut dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Connecticut |
| County | Windham |
| Nearest City | Sterling |
| River/Stream | Moosup River |
| Coordinates | 41.70653, -71.82867 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,010 ft |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 125 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 125 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16 acres |
| Drainage Area | 42 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,940 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Town of Sterling |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/19/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00610 |
| Federal ID | CT00610 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |