Northfield Brook Dam
Key Takeaway
Northfield Brook Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 111 ft (taller than 99.1% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 810 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 3.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 80 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00505 |
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
USACE - New England District
Federal Government
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High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Northfield Brook Dam?
Northfield Brook 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 Northfield Brook Dam?
Northfield Brook Dam is owned by USACE - New England District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Northfield Brook Dam built?
Northfield Brook Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Northfield Brook Dam?
Northfield Brook Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Northfield Brook Dam?
Northfield Brook Dam has a dam height of 111 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 Northfield Brook Dam last inspected?
Northfield Brook Dam was last inspected on January 6, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.