Lake Saltonstall Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Saltonstall Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1882 and is 144 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 | 30 ft (taller than 87.9% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 396 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1882 (144 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2008 |
| NID ID | CT00115 |
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
Graniss Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 6 ftBranford Supply Ponds Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 15 ftWards Mill Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 9 ftTalmages Ice Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 2 ftPages Millpond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 11 ftLake Whitney Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 37 ftYoungs Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 10 ftGriffins Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 5 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Saltonstall Dam?
Lake Saltonstall 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 Saltonstall Dam?
Lake Saltonstall 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 Saltonstall Dam built?
Lake Saltonstall Dam was completed in 1882, making it 144 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 Saltonstall Dam?
Lake Saltonstall 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 Saltonstall Dam?
Lake Saltonstall Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Saltonstall Dam last inspected?
Lake Saltonstall Dam was last inspected on November 5, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.