Lake Whitney Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Whitney Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1861 and is 165 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 | 37 ft (taller than 92.6% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 750 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 178 acres |
| Drainage Area | 37 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1861 (165 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2010 |
| NID ID | CT00119 |
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
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High Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Whitney Dam?
Lake Whitney 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 Whitney Dam?
Lake Whitney 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 Whitney Dam built?
Lake Whitney Dam was completed in 1861, making it 165 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 Whitney Dam?
Lake Whitney 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 Whitney Dam?
Lake Whitney Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Whitney Dam last inspected?
Lake Whitney Dam was last inspected on November 6, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.