Crystal Lake Reservoir Dam

SUCKER BROOK· Litchfield, Connecticut· Built 1892· Earth· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Crystal Lake Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1892 and is 134 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 50.2% in CT)
Dam Length520 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.7K acre-ft
Surface Area145 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge410 cfs
Year Completed1892 (134 years old)
NID IDCT00104

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: June 6, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Town of Winchester

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Crystal Lake Reservoir Dam?

Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake Reservoir Dam?

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

When was Crystal Lake Reservoir Dam built?

Crystal Lake Reservoir Dam was completed in 1892, making it 134 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 Crystal Lake Reservoir Dam?

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

How tall is Crystal Lake Reservoir Dam?

Crystal Lake Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Crystal Lake Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Crystal Lake Reservoir Dam was last inspected on June 6, 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.