West Thompson Dam
Key Takeaway
West Thompson Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 | 70 ft (taller than 97.5% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 2,550 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 47.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 200 acres |
| Drainage Area | 174 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 63,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | CT00502 |
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
USACE - New England District
Federal Government
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What is the hazard classification of West Thompson Dam?
West Thompson 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 West Thompson Dam?
West Thompson Dam is owned by USACE - New England District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was West Thompson Dam built?
West Thompson 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 West Thompson Dam?
West Thompson Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is West Thompson Dam?
West Thompson Dam has a dam height of 70 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 Thompson Dam last inspected?
West Thompson Dam was last inspected on May 5, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.