Swan Lake Dam, located in Oxford, Connecticut, is a historic masonry structure completed in 1920 primarily for irrigation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
This private dam on the Little River stands at 28 feet high and stretches 325 feet in length, offering a storage capacity of 278 acre-feet. With a normal storage of 216 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.96 square miles, Swan Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its age, Swan Lake Dam is deemed to be in fair condition with a high hazard potential, as per the last inspection conducted in November 2019. The dam boasts a spillway width of 25 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 245 cubic feet per second, ensuring effective flood control measures. With its picturesque location and vital role in water management and irrigation, Swan Lake Dam serves as a testament to the historical significance and engineering prowess of early 20th-century infrastructure in Connecticut.
As a regulated and inspected structure under the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Swan Lake Dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management. Its continued operation and maintenance not only support irrigation needs but also contribute to flood control and ecosystem conservation efforts along the Little River. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Swan Lake Dam represents a blend of heritage, functionality, and environmental stewardship in the heart of New Haven County.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.96 |
Nid Storage |
278 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
28 |
Naugatuck River At Beacon Falls
|
258cfs |
Housatonic River At Stevenson
|
455cfs |
Pomperaug River At Southbury
|
71cfs |
Pootatuck R At Sandy Hook
|
24cfs |
Mill R Nr Hamden
|
20cfs |
Weekeepeemee River At Hotchkissville
|
21cfs |