Colebrook River Dam, located in Connecticut, is a gravity dam designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to primarily reduce flood risks along the West Branch Farmington River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1969, the dam has a height of 223 feet and a storage capacity of 134,000 acre-feet. While the dam significantly reduces the risk of flooding to surrounding communities, a risk assessment conducted by USACE in 2019 classified the risks associated with the dam as Moderate, primarily due to the large population living downstream that could face catastrophic flooding in the unlikely event of a dam failure.
To manage these risks, USACE continually monitors the dam's condition, prioritizes risk-reducing activities, and collaborates with local emergency managers to raise awareness and develop emergency plans. In the event of a potential dam-related emergency, USACE regularly updates the emergency action plan and conducts maintenance and repairs as needed. While the probability of a dam failure is very low, the potential consequences, including swift and deep floodwaters impacting downstream communities, underscore the importance of ongoing risk management efforts for Colebrook River Dam.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Height |
223 |
River Or Stream |
WEST BRANCH FARMINGTON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Hydraulic Height |
218 |
Nid Storage |
134000 |
Structural Height |
223 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
223 |