Ulbrich Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Ulbrich Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 17 ft (taller than 66% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 2,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 159 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,160 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00038 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Town of Wallingford
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Spring Lake Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 9 ftBristol Myers Squibb Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 12 ftPistapaug Reservoir Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 8 ftMackenzie Reservoir Dam
New Haven, CT
High Hazard 29 ftHigh Hill Pond Aka Shonek Pond Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 17 ftNorth Farms Reservoir Dam
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 5 ftFarm River (Northford) Diversion
New Haven, CT
Significant Hazard 12 ftLake Beseck Dam
Middlesex, CT
Significant Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ulbrich Reservoir Dam?
Ulbrich 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 Ulbrich Reservoir Dam?
Ulbrich Reservoir Dam is owned by Town of Wallingford (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ulbrich Reservoir Dam built?
Ulbrich Reservoir Dam was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Ulbrich Reservoir Dam?
Ulbrich Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ulbrich Reservoir Dam?
Ulbrich Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Ulbrich Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Ulbrich Reservoir Dam was last inspected on November 4, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.