Powers Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Powers Lake Dam, located in East Lyme, Connecticut, is a historic masonry dam completed in 1870 along the Pataguanset River.


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Summary

Serving as a recreational destination, the dam boasts a height of 25 feet and a length of 315 feet, with a storage capacity of 1068 acre-feet. With a surface area of 152.6 acres and a drainage area of 0.96 square miles, Powers Lake Dam provides not only a scenic backdrop but also a crucial water resource for the surrounding community.

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Powers Lake Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition with significant hazard potential. The last inspection in 2018 highlighted the dam's need for maintenance and improvements. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 1984, raising concerns about its readiness to address potential risks and ensure public safety in case of a failure. With its importance to the local ecosystem and community, efforts to enhance the dam's structural integrity and safety measures are crucial for the sustainable management of this water resource in the face of climate challenges.

As a state-regulated structure within the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Powers Lake Dam is subject to regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure compliance with safety standards. The dam's location in a high-risk area underscores the importance of proactive risk management measures and updated emergency response plans. With its proximity to residential areas and the potential for downstream impacts in case of a breach, stakeholders must prioritize the maintenance and modernization of Powers Lake Dam to mitigate risks and safeguard the local environment and water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

315

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

PATAGUANSET RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

152.6

Drainage Area

0.96

Nid Storage

1068

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.