Quonnipaug Lake Dam

WEST RIVER· New Haven, Connecticut· Built 1850· Masonry· 5 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Quonnipaug Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1850 and is 176 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 5 ft (taller than 5.1% in CT)
Dam Length110 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage336 acre-ft
Normal Storage336 acre-ft
Surface Area112 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge53 cfs
Year Completed1850 (176 years old)
NID IDCT00411

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: March 11, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Town of Guilford

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Quonnipaug Lake Dam?

Quonnipaug 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 Quonnipaug Lake Dam?

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

When was Quonnipaug Lake Dam built?

Quonnipaug Lake Dam was completed in 1850, making it 176 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 Quonnipaug Lake Dam?

Quonnipaug 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 Quonnipaug Lake Dam?

Quonnipaug Lake Dam has a dam height of 5 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 Quonnipaug Lake Dam last inspected?

Quonnipaug Lake Dam was last inspected on March 11, 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.