Lake Garda Dam

UNIONVILLE BROOK· Hartford, Connecticut· Built 1930· Earth· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Garda Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 66% in CT)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage293 acre-ft
Normal Storage173 acre-ft
Surface Area42 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge463 cfs
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
Year Modified1999
NID IDCT00264

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: Yes
Last Inspection: November 9, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Lake Garda Improvement Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Garda Dam?

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Dam?

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

When was Lake Garda Dam built?

Lake Garda Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Garda Dam?

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Dam?

Lake Garda Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Garda Dam last inspected?

Lake Garda Dam was last inspected on November 9, 2020. 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.