Highland Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Highland Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1860 and is 166 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 | 14 ft (taller than 54.3% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 450 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 11.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 444 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1860 (166 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00106 |
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
Jones;Town of Winchester
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 36 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Highland Lake Dam?
Highland 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 Highland Lake Dam?
Highland Lake Dam is owned by Jones;Town of Winchester (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Highland Lake Dam built?
Highland Lake Dam was completed in 1860, making it 166 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 Highland Lake Dam?
Highland 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 Highland Lake Dam?
Highland Lake Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Highland Lake Dam last inspected?
Highland Lake Dam was last inspected on March 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.