Lake Phipps Dam #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Phipps Dam #3, located in West Haven, Connecticut, was completed in 1920 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 8 feet and a length of 125 feet, creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 245 acre-feet and a surface area of 24.5 acres. The dam is situated on Cove River in New Haven County and is regulated by the state agency DEEP.

With a high hazard potential, Lake Phipps Dam #3 has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of May 2020. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet and is associated with two other structures in the area. Although no emergency action plan (EAP) has been prepared, the dam has been inspected regularly, with the last inspection conducted in May 2020.

Despite its moderate risk rating, Lake Phipps Dam #3 remains a vital structure in the area for water resource management and recreation. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find interest in the historical significance and regulatory oversight of this dam, as well as its contribution to the surrounding ecosystem and community.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

COVE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24.5

Drainage Area

0.37

Nid Storage

245

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.