Lake Wintergreen Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Wintergreen Dam, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is a historic masonry dam completed in 1863 for water supply purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 31 feet and a length of 900 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 540 acre-feet and serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area. Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the dam is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and maintain its satisfactory condition.

The dam's primary purpose is to provide water supply, drawing from Wintergreen Brook and covering a surface area of 43.5 acres. With a high hazard potential due to its location, Lake Wintergreen Dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 850 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 50 feet. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet regulatory standards and is equipped to handle emergency situations, with an established Emergency Action Plan (EAP) updated as recently as 2016.

Lake Wintergreen Dam is not only a functional structure but also a historical landmark, serving as a testament to the engineering achievements of the past. Its importance in providing water resources to the community and its ongoing maintenance efforts reflect a commitment to preserving both the environment and the infrastructure for future generations. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Wintergreen Dam stands as a reminder of the critical role dams play in sustaining our ecosystems and communities.

Year Completed

1863

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

WINTERGREEN BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

43.5

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

540

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

31
       
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.