Lake Naraneka Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Naraneka Dam, also known as Pierrepont Lake, is a private-owned structure located in Ridgefield, Connecticut.


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Summary

Completed in 1937, this concrete dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a surface area of 55 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 677 acre-feet. With a dam height of 18 feet and a length of 156 feet, it stands as a significant water resource in the area, regulating the flow of the Shadow Brook Titicus River and providing a scenic environment for outdoor activities.

Managed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in Connecticut, Lake Naraneka Dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, slide outlet gates, and a drainage area of 0.46 square miles. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2017, the dam poses a significant hazard potential and is classified as having a moderate risk level (3). With a history of modifications and a designated emergency action plan, Lake Naraneka Dam remains a crucial component of the local water management infrastructure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Naraneka Dam presents a fascinating example of human-engineered infrastructure intersecting with natural landscapes. Its role in regulating water flow, providing recreation opportunities, and managing risk underscores the complexity of balancing environmental conservation with human needs. As a privately-owned structure with state regulation and oversight, the dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities inherent in maintaining and utilizing water resources in a sustainable manner.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

156

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

SHADOW BROK TITICUS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

55

Drainage Area

0.46

Nid Storage

677

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.