Lake Windwing Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Windwing Dam, located in Ridgefield, Connecticut, serves as a crucial structure for recreation and water resource management in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this concrete dam stands at a height of 14 feet and boasts a storage capacity of 114 acre-feet. It is nestled within a beautiful 15.1-acre surface area, with a drainage area of 0.74 square miles that feeds into a tributary of the Saugatuck River.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Lake Windwing Dam plays a vital role in ensuring water safety and quality for the region. With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment, regular inspections are conducted every 7 years to uphold its structural integrity. The dam also features a spillway width of 24 feet to manage maximum discharge of 177 cubic feet per second during peak flow events.

As a beloved spot for recreational activities, Lake Windwing provides a serene environment for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Despite its age, the dam continues to be a reliable resource for the community, offering both practical water management solutions and a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

95

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF THE SAUGATUCK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

15.1

Drainage Area

0.74

Nid Storage

114

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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.