Doolittle Lake Dam

DOOLITTLE LAKE BROOK· Litchfield, Connecticut· Built 1920· Earth· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Doolittle Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 29.6% in CT)
Dam Length160 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage690 acre-ft
Normal Storage690 acre-ft
Surface Area173 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge52 cfs
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
Year Modified2010
NID IDCT00447

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: No
Last Inspection: May 1, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Doolittle Lake Co.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Doolittle Lake Dam?

Doolittle 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 Doolittle Lake Dam?

Doolittle Lake Dam is owned by Doolittle Lake Co. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Doolittle Lake Dam built?

Doolittle Lake Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Doolittle Lake Dam?

Doolittle 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 Doolittle Lake Dam?

Doolittle Lake Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Doolittle Lake Dam last inspected?

Doolittle Lake Dam was last inspected on May 1, 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.