Quassapaug Lake Dam

EIGHTMILE BROOK· New Haven, Connecticut· Built 1900· Earth· 24 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Quassapaug Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 81.2% in CT)
Dam Length125 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage2.6K acre-ft
Surface Area290 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge97 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
Year Modified1992
NID IDCT00329

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: Yes
Last Inspection: December 16, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

West Shore Owners Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Quassapaug Lake Dam?

Quassapaug Lake 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 Quassapaug Lake Dam?

Quassapaug Lake Dam is owned by West Shore Owners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Quassapaug Lake Dam built?

Quassapaug Lake Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Quassapaug Lake Dam?

Quassapaug Lake 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 Quassapaug Lake Dam?

Quassapaug Lake 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 Quassapaug Lake Dam last inspected?

Quassapaug Lake Dam was last inspected on December 16, 2019. 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.