Asylum Reservoir #5 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Asylum Reservoir #5 Dam, formerly known as Asylum Reservoir #2, is a significant earth dam located in Middletown, Connecticut, completed in 1879.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Owned and regulated by the state, this dam serves the primary purpose of water supply. With a height of 15 feet and a length of 475 feet, it has a storage capacity of 154 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 14.25 acres.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 30 feet, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 880 cubic feet per second. Despite being deemed to have a significant hazard potential, the condition assessment in 2014 rated it as satisfactory. The dam is inspected every 7 years, with the last inspection conducted in November 2014. In terms of risk assessment, it falls under the moderate category with a risk level of 3.

Located in Middlesex County, the Asylum Reservoir #5 Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Its sturdy structure and satisfactory condition make it an essential piece of infrastructure for ensuring water supply and mitigating potential risks associated with its operation. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam to be a fascinating example of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship in action.

Year Completed

1879

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

UNNAMED

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.25

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

154

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.