Mianus River Dam

MIANUS RIVER· Fairfield, Connecticut· Built 1920· Concrete· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mianus River Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 72.5% in CT)
Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage525 acre-ft
Normal Storage525 acre-ft
Surface Area48 acres
Drainage Area31 sq mi
Max Discharge10,158 cfs
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
NID IDCT00045

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: No
Last Inspection: April 27, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Town of Greenwich

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mianus River Dam?

Mianus River 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 Mianus River Dam?

Mianus River Dam is owned by Town of Greenwich (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mianus River Dam built?

Mianus River 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 Mianus River Dam?

Mianus River 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 Mianus River Dam?

Mianus River Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Mianus River Dam last inspected?

Mianus River Dam was last inspected on April 27, 2016. 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.