Lake Gaillard Dam, located in North Branford, Connecticut, is a concrete structure completed in 1929 for the primary purpose of water supply.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at a height of 100 feet and stretching 1232 feet in length, this dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 53,500 acre-feet with a normal storage of 48,000 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of the Branford River and covers a surface area of 1110 acres, serving as a vital resource for the region.
Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Lake Gaillard Dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a high hazard potential due to its size and location, the dam is classified as satisfactory in condition assessment. In the event of an emergency, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place but has not been updated recently, highlighting the importance of preparedness and risk management for this essential water resource infrastructure.
As a key component of the water supply system in New Haven County, Lake Gaillard Dam plays a crucial role in securing water resources for the surrounding communities. With its historic significance and strategic location, the dam represents a blend of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship in managing water resources amidst changing climate conditions. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience would find Lake Gaillard Dam to be a captivating example of infrastructure that sustains both natural ecosystems and human needs.
Year Completed |
1929 |
Dam Length |
1232 |
Dam Height |
100 |
River Or Stream |
BRANFORD RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
1110 |
Drainage Area |
7.5 |
Nid Storage |
53500 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
100 |
Quinnipiac River At Wallingford
|
147cfs |
Mill R Nr Hamden
|
20cfs |
Indian River Near Clinton
|
6cfs |
Coginchaug River At Middlefield
|
60cfs |
Naugatuck River At Beacon Falls
|
258cfs |
Connecticut R At Middle Haddam
|
14900cfs |