Ouleout Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ouleout Lake Dam, located in Torrington, Connecticut, is a picturesque masonry dam completed in 1900 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Situated on the Hall Meadow Brook Tributary, this private dam stands at a height of 9 feet and boasts a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet with a surface area of 16 acres. With a maximum discharge of 193 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a significant water resource in the region.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Ouleout Lake Dam is state-regulated and subject to regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting. Despite its historical significance and recreational value, the dam's condition is currently not rated, posing a significant hazard potential. With a spillway width of 26 feet and a drainage area of 60 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.

As a key feature in the region's water infrastructure, Ouleout Lake Dam is not only a popular spot for recreational activities but also a critical component in flood control and water resource management. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam's history, design, and current status intriguing, making it a focal point for further exploration and study in the realm of water resource management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

186

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

HALL MEADOW BK TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

60

Nid Storage

64

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

9
       
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.