Higganum Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Higganum Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1868 and is 158 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 | 48 ft (taller than 96% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 875 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 771 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 106 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 30 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,710 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1868 (158 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00430 |
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
Connecticut DEEP
State Government
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What is the hazard classification of Higganum Reservoir Dam?
Higganum Reservoir 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 Higganum Reservoir Dam?
Higganum Reservoir Dam is owned by Connecticut DEEP (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Higganum Reservoir Dam built?
Higganum Reservoir Dam was completed in 1868, making it 158 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 Higganum Reservoir Dam?
Higganum Reservoir 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 Higganum Reservoir Dam?
Higganum Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 48 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 Higganum Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Higganum Reservoir Dam was last inspected on September 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.