Quillinan Reservoir Dam

BEAVER BROOK· New Haven, Connecticut· Built 1880· Earth· 19 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Quillinan Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1880 and is 146 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 19 ft (taller than 71.2% in CT)
Dam Length575 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1880 (146 years old)
Year Modified1991
NID IDCT00024

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 1, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Connecticut DEEP

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Quillinan Reservoir Dam?

Quillinan Reservoir 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 Quillinan Reservoir Dam?

Quillinan Reservoir Dam is owned by Connecticut DEEP (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Quillinan Reservoir Dam built?

Quillinan Reservoir Dam was completed in 1880, making it 146 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 Quillinan Reservoir Dam?

Quillinan Reservoir 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 Quillinan Reservoir Dam?

Quillinan Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Quillinan Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Quillinan Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 1, 2020. 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.