Crystal Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crystal Lake Dam in Connecticut is a vital structure for water supply, completed in 1878 and serving the purpose of storing 63 acre-feet of water.


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Summary

With a height of 36 feet and a length of 230 feet, this concrete dam on Nickel Mine Brook ensures a normal storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5.5 acres. The dam's significant hazard potential is closely monitored through regular inspections, with its condition assessed as satisfactory as of June 2018.

Located in Litchfield County, the dam is regulated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in Connecticut, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The surrounding area of Crystal Lake Dam offers tranquil scenery and recreational opportunities, making it a destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As a public utility-owned structure, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the water supply in the region and underscores the importance of sustainable management of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

With its historical significance and essential function in the local water supply system, Crystal Lake Dam stands as a testament to the long-standing efforts to ensure water security in the area. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resources, the dam's role in providing a stable water supply becomes increasingly vital. Through ongoing monitoring and maintenance, Crystal Lake Dam remains a key infrastructure for safeguarding water resources and supporting the community's needs for the foreseeable future.

Year Completed

1878

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

NICKEL MINE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

5.5

Drainage Area

4.02

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

36
       
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.