Spahn Pond Dam

HORSENECK BROOK· Fairfield, Connecticut· Built 1925· Masonry· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Spahn Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1925 and is 101 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 42.4% in CT)
Dam Length40 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage50 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1925 (101 years old)
NID IDCT00537

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: November 7, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

552 Lake Avenue Limited partnership;Jonas

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Spahn Pond Dam?

Spahn Pond 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 Spahn Pond Dam?

Spahn Pond Dam is owned by 552 Lake Avenue Limited partnership;Jonas (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Spahn Pond Dam built?

Spahn Pond Dam was completed in 1925, making it 101 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 Spahn Pond Dam?

Spahn Pond 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 Spahn Pond Dam?

Spahn Pond Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Spahn Pond Dam last inspected?

Spahn Pond Dam was last inspected on November 7, 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.