Lake Winnemaug Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Winnemaug Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 | 24 ft (taller than 81.2% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 407 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 122 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 774 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| Year Modified | -1 |
| NID ID | CT00123 |
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
Town of Watertown
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Winnemaug Dam?
Lake Winnemaug 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 Winnemaug Dam?
Lake Winnemaug Dam is owned by Town of Watertown (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Winnemaug Dam built?
Lake Winnemaug Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Winnemaug Dam?
Lake Winnemaug 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 Winnemaug Dam?
Lake Winnemaug Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Winnemaug Dam last inspected?
Lake Winnemaug Dam was last inspected on December 2, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.