Wyassup Lake Dam

WYASSUP BROOK· New London, Connecticut· Built 1920· Earth· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Wyassup Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 58.6% in CT)
Dam Length495 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage800 acre-ft
Normal Storage533 acre-ft
Surface Area90 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge300 cfs
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
NID IDCT00570

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: October 2, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Connecticut DEEP

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wyassup Lake Dam?

Wyassup 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 Wyassup Lake Dam?

Wyassup Lake Dam is owned by Connecticut DEEP (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wyassup Lake Dam built?

Wyassup Lake Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Wyassup Lake Dam?

Wyassup 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 Wyassup Lake Dam?

Wyassup Lake Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Wyassup Lake Dam last inspected?

Wyassup Lake Dam was last inspected on October 2, 2020. 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.