Lake Phipps Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Phipps Dam #2, located in West Haven, Connecticut, was completed in 1880 and serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

This concrete dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a storage capacity of 320 acre-feet. The dam is associated with two other structures, CT00109 and CT00109S03, and is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

With a hazard potential classified as high, Lake Phipps Dam #2 undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity. The most recent inspection in May 2020 deemed the dam's condition as satisfactory. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide a surface area of 24.5 acres for recreational activities and serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and maintenance of dams like Lake Phipps Dam #2 become crucial in ensuring the safety of communities and the sustainability of water sources. With its historical significance and importance for recreation, this dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to understand the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

160

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

COVE RIVER TRIB

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

24.5

Drainage Area

0.37

Nid Storage

320

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.