Samuel P. Senior Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Samuel P.


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Summary

Senior Dam, also known as Saugatuck Reservoir, is a concrete dam located in Westport, Connecticut, along the Saugatuck River. Completed in 1941, this dam serves as a critical water supply infrastructure for the region, with a storage capacity of 42,000 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 36,800 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 130 feet and stretches 990 feet in length, with a maximum discharge capacity of 15,600 cubic feet per second.

This dam is owned and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with a high hazard potential due to its location and storage capacity. Despite the potential risks, the dam's condition assessment as of June 2019 was deemed satisfactory, and it undergoes regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety measures are up to standard. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 299 feet and utilizes slide gates as its outlet mechanism.

With its crucial role in providing water supply for the area, Samuel P. Senior Dam stands as a significant piece of infrastructure that requires meticulous monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of nearby communities. As a key component in the region's water resource management system, this dam represents a balance between the benefits of water supply and the risks associated with high hazard potential, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management measures and emergency preparedness protocols.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

990

Dam Height

130

River Or Stream

SAUGATUCK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

868

Drainage Area

34.6

Nid Storage

42000

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

130
       
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.