Lake Phipps Dam #1
Key Takeaway
Lake Phipps Dam #1 is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 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 | 29 ft (taller than 86.8% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 345 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 320 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 245 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1880 (146 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2011 |
| NID ID | CT00109 |
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
Lake Phipps Special Taxing District
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lower Lake Phipps Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 5 ftMaltby No. 1 Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 26 ftSilver Brook Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 8 ftMaltby Lake West Dam #3
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 29 ftMaltby #2 Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 35 ftIndian Lake Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 10 ftQuirks Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 5 ftRose Mill Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Phipps Dam #1?
Lake Phipps Dam #1 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 Phipps Dam #1?
Lake Phipps Dam #1 is owned by Lake Phipps Special Taxing District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Phipps Dam #1 built?
Lake Phipps Dam #1 was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Phipps Dam #1?
Lake Phipps Dam #1 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 Phipps Dam #1?
Lake Phipps Dam #1 has a dam height of 29 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 Phipps Dam #1 last inspected?
Lake Phipps Dam #1 was last inspected on May 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.