Upper Shepaug Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper Shepaug Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 | 90 ft (taller than 98.8% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 1,050 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 13.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 14.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 430 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00634 |
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
City of Waterbury
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Goose Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Low Hazard 11 ftShepaug Reservoir Dam
Litchfield, CT
High Hazard 65 ftHart Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 5 ftJim'S Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 12 ftUnnamed Pond Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant HazardLake Floren Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 13 ftLincoln Pond
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 6 ftBantam Hydro Dam
Litchfield, CT
Significant Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Shepaug Dam?
Upper Shepaug 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 Upper Shepaug Dam?
Upper Shepaug Dam is owned by City of Waterbury (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Shepaug Dam built?
Upper Shepaug Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Upper Shepaug Dam?
Upper Shepaug 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 Upper Shepaug Dam?
Upper Shepaug Dam has a dam height of 90 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 Upper Shepaug Dam last inspected?
Upper Shepaug Dam was last inspected on October 15, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.