Swan Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Swan Lake Dam, located in Oxford, Connecticut, is a historic masonry structure completed in 1920 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

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
       
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.