Buckingham Reservoir Dam

ROARING BROOK· Hartford, Connecticut· Built 1925· Earth· 30 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Buckingham Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1925 and is 101 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 87.9% in CT)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage380 acre-ft
Normal Storage110 acre-ft
Surface Area35 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge2,040 cfs
Year Completed1925 (101 years old)
NID IDCT00244

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 18, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Town of Manchester

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Buckingham Reservoir Dam?

Buckingham Reservoir Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Buckingham Reservoir Dam?

Buckingham Reservoir Dam is owned by Town of Manchester (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Buckingham Reservoir Dam built?

Buckingham Reservoir Dam was completed in 1925, making it 101 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Buckingham Reservoir Dam?

Buckingham Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Buckingham Reservoir Dam?

Buckingham Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 30 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Buckingham Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Buckingham Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 18, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.