Converse Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Converse Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 30 ft (taller than 87.9% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 175 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 920 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 102 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 520 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00044 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Converse Lake Association
Private
Nearby Dams
Cross Pond Dam
Fairfield, CT
Significant Hazard 11 ftWilshire Pond Dam
Fairfield, CT
Significant Hazard 6 ftTopping Road Dam
Fairfield, CT
Significant Hazard 15 ftBrush Reservoir Dam
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Low Hazard 23 ftLong Pond Dam
Westchester, NY
Significant Hazard 40 ftBabcock Pond Dam
Fairfield, CT
Significant Hazard 15 ftValley Pond Dam
Fairfield, CT
Significant Hazard 10 ftPaterno Dam
Westchester, NY
High Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Converse Lake Dam?
Converse Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Converse Lake Dam?
Converse Lake Dam is owned by Converse Lake Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Converse Lake Dam built?
Converse Lake Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Converse Lake Dam?
Converse 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 Converse Lake Dam?
Converse Lake 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 Converse Lake Dam last inspected?
Converse Lake Dam was last inspected on June 5, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.