Lake Whitney Dam, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is a historic masonry dam completed in 1861 with a primary purpose of water supply.
Wind
Humidity
The dam stands at a height of 37 feet and spans 750 feet along the Mill River, offering a storage capacity of 3,600 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management, with a normal storage capacity of 2,720 acre-feet and a surface area of 178.3 acres.
While the dam has a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment, it is regularly inspected by the state regulatory agency to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 250 feet and outlet gates for water management. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam poses some risks that are managed through appropriate risk management measures and emergency action plans.
Overall, Lake Whitney Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water supply in the region, despite its age and maintenance challenges. As climate and water resource enthusiasts, it is important to monitor and support the upkeep of such structures to ensure sustainable water management practices and safeguard against potential risks associated with aging infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1861 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
MILL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
178.3 |
Drainage Area |
37.4 |
Nid Storage |
3600 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
37 |
Mill R Nr Hamden
|
20cfs |
Quinnipiac River At Wallingford
|
147cfs |
Naugatuck River At Beacon Falls
|
258cfs |
Housatonic River At Stevenson
|
455cfs |
Coginchaug River At Middlefield
|
60cfs |
Quinnipiac River At Southington
|
16cfs |