Tarrywile Lake Dam

PARKS POND BROOK· Fairfield, Connecticut· Built 1900· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Tarrywile 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 12 ft (taller than 42.4% in CT)
Dam Length180 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage100 acre-ft
Normal Storage55 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area320 sq mi
Max Discharge235 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDCT00071

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: July 24, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

City of Danbury

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Tarrywile Lake Dam?

Tarrywile 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 Tarrywile Lake Dam?

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

When was Tarrywile Lake Dam built?

Tarrywile 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 Tarrywile Lake Dam?

Tarrywile 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 Tarrywile Lake Dam?

Tarrywile Lake 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 Tarrywile Lake Dam last inspected?

Tarrywile Lake Dam was last inspected on July 24, 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.