Indian Lake Dam

INDIAN RIVER· New Haven, Connecticut· Built 1900· Concrete· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Indian Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 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 Length45 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage60 acre-ft
Normal Storage60 acre-ft
Surface Area28 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge97 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDCT00565

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 28, 1986
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Indian Lake Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Indian Lake Dam?

Indian 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 Indian Lake Dam?

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

When was Indian Lake Dam built?

Indian Lake Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Indian Lake Dam?

Indian 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 Indian Lake Dam?

Indian 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 Indian Lake Dam last inspected?

Indian Lake Dam was last inspected on May 28, 1986. 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.