South Flood Control Dam

UNNAMED· Hartford, Connecticut· Built 1964· Earth· 31 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction State Government

Key Takeaway

South Flood Control Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 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 31 ft (taller than 89.2% in CT)
Dam Length3,500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage900 acre-ft
Normal Storage650 acre-ft
Surface Area64 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge3,450 cfs
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDCT00487

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: May 1, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Connecticut DEEP

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of South Flood Control Dam?

South Flood Control 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 South Flood Control Dam?

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

When was South Flood Control Dam built?

South Flood Control Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 South Flood Control Dam?

South Flood Control Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is South Flood Control Dam?

South Flood Control Dam has a dam height of 31 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 South Flood Control Dam last inspected?

South Flood Control Dam was last inspected on May 1, 2015. 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.