Lake Housatonic
Key Takeaway
Lake Housatonic is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1870 and is 156 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 25 ft (taller than 83% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 4.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 325 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,574 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 160,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1870 (156 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00026 |
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
McCallum Enterprises I, Limited Partnership
Private
Nearby Dams
Shelton Reservoir #2 Dam
Fairfield, CT
High Hazard 16 ftPicketts Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 3 ftKellogg Aka Osborndale Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 7 ftShelton Reservoir #3 Dam
Fairfield, CT
Significant Hazard 18 ftLower Ansonia Reservoir Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 18 ftUpper Ansonia Reservoir Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 21 ftFountain Lake Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 15 ftPark Pond Dam
Fairfield, CT
Significant Hazard 5 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Housatonic?
Lake Housatonic 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 Lake Housatonic?
Lake Housatonic is owned by McCallum Enterprises I, Limited Partnership (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Housatonic built?
Lake Housatonic was completed in 1870, making it 156 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 Lake Housatonic?
Lake Housatonic serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation, Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Housatonic?
Lake Housatonic has a dam height of 25 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 Lake Housatonic last inspected?
Lake Housatonic was last inspected on July 28, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.