Ulbrich Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ulbrich Reservoir Dam, also known as Spring Brook Reservoir, is a concrete dam located in Northford, Connecticut.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this dam serves as a crucial water supply for the area, with a storage capacity of 4090 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2160 cubic feet per second. The dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans 2000 feet in length, holding back the waters of Spring Brook and providing water for the surrounding communities.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Ulbrich Reservoir Dam is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of the latest inspection in November 2020, this dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the region. Situated in New Haven County, the dam's location in Wallingford offers a critical resource for the area's water supply needs, demonstrating the importance of infrastructure in adapting to changing climate conditions.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the role of dams like Ulbrich Reservoir Dam in providing stable water supplies becomes increasingly significant. With its concrete construction and rock foundation, this dam exemplifies the engineering required to manage water resources effectively. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, understanding the intricacies of dams like Ulbrich Reservoir Dam is crucial in ensuring the sustainability of water management practices in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

2000

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

SPRING BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

159

Drainage Area

1.34

Nid Storage

4090

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.