Butterworth Lake Dam

BUTTERWORTH BROOK· New Haven, Connecticut· Built 1961· Earth· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Butterworth Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 58.6% in CT)
Dam Length215 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage113 acre-ft
Normal Storage33 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge1,635 cfs
Year Completed1961 (65 years old)
NID IDCT00122

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: April 24, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Connecticut DEEP

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Butterworth Lake Dam?

Butterworth Lake 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 Butterworth Lake Dam?

Butterworth Lake Dam is owned by Connecticut DEEP (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Butterworth Lake Dam built?

Butterworth Lake Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Butterworth Lake Dam?

Butterworth Lake 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 Butterworth Lake Dam?

Butterworth Lake Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Butterworth Lake Dam last inspected?

Butterworth Lake Dam was last inspected on April 24, 2015. 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.