Kensington Dam
Key Takeaway
Kensington Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1901 and is 125 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 | 25 ft (taller than 83% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 205 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,560 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1901 (125 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00250 |
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
Town of Berlin
Local Government
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High Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kensington Dam?
Kensington 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 Kensington Dam?
Kensington Dam is owned by Town of Berlin (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Kensington Dam built?
Kensington Dam was completed in 1901, making it 125 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 Kensington Dam?
Kensington 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 Kensington Dam?
Kensington Dam 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 Kensington Dam last inspected?
Kensington Dam was last inspected on June 2, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.