The Obed Heights Reservoir Dam, situated in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1880 for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 15 feet and a length of 460 feet, this structure on Ragged Rock Creek offers a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 25 acres for outdoor activities. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected by the state regulatory agency, DEEP, ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
Owned by a private entity, the Obed Heights Reservoir Dam is a significant landmark in Middlesex County, Connecticut, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 27 feet, and it features a valve outlet gate for water release. Although its risk assessment is moderate, the dam has a history of modification and maintenance, with the last inspection conducted in April 2015. With its rich history and recreational importance, this dam serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem and water management infrastructure.
Overall, the Obed Heights Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to Connecticut's commitment to water resource management and environmental stewardship. As a state-regulated structure with a designated emergency action plan, this dam exemplifies the importance of proactive risk assessment and management in safeguarding communities and natural habitats. With its picturesque location and historical significance, the Obed Heights Reservoir Dam continues to be a focal point for water enthusiasts and climate advocates seeking to engage with sustainable water management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1880 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
RAGGED ROCK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
41 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
East Branch Eightmile River Near North Lyme
|
29cfs |
Indian River Near Clinton
|
6cfs |
Eightmile R At North Plain
|
24cfs |
Salmon River Near East Hampton
|
119cfs |
Connecticut R At Middle Haddam
|
14900cfs |
Yantic River At Yantic
|
147cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Camp Bethel
|
||
Youth Site 2
|
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Youth Site 1
|