West Side Flood Control Dam #5
Key Takeaway
West Side Flood Control Dam #5 is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 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 | 20 ft (taller than 72.5% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 730 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00484 |
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
Connecticut DEEP
State Government
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What is the hazard classification of West Side Flood Control Dam #5?
West Side Flood Control Dam #5 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 West Side Flood Control Dam #5?
West Side Flood Control Dam #5 is owned by Connecticut DEEP (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was West Side Flood Control Dam #5 built?
West Side Flood Control Dam #5 was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 West Side Flood Control Dam #5?
West Side Flood Control Dam #5 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 West Side Flood Control Dam #5?
West Side Flood Control Dam #5 has a dam height of 20 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 West Side Flood Control Dam #5 last inspected?
West Side Flood Control Dam #5 was last inspected on September 7, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.