Lake Dawson Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Dawson Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 50 ft (taller than 96.1% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 76 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1890 (136 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2003 |
| NID ID | CT00319 |
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
South Central CT RWA
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Lake Glen Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 62 ftLake Watrous Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 51 ftLake Wintergreen Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 31 ftLake Chamberlain Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 88 ftWest River Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 24 ftRound Hill Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 12 ftFarm Brook Pond Site 2b
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 28 ftFarm Brook Flood Control Site #2a Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 29 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Dawson Dam?
Lake Dawson 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 Lake Dawson Dam?
Lake Dawson Dam is owned by South Central CT RWA (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Dawson Dam built?
Lake Dawson Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Lake Dawson Dam?
Lake Dawson Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Dawson Dam?
Lake Dawson Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Lake Dawson Dam last inspected?
Lake Dawson Dam was last inspected on November 6, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.