Savin Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Savin Lake Dam, located in Lebanon, Connecticut, was completed in 1920 and stands at a height of 18 feet with a length of 800 feet.


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Summary

The dam serves the primary purpose of recreation, providing a storage capacity of 520 acre-feet and a surface area of 48 acres. The reservoir is fed by Bartlett Brook and has a drainage area of 14.8 square miles.

With a significant hazard potential, Savin Lake Dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement measures. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated", with the last inspection taking place in May 2008. Emergency action plans were last revised in September 2016, ensuring that the necessary protocols are in place in case of any potential risks or emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Savin Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in the management and regulation of a recreational dam in Connecticut. With its historical significance, ongoing state oversight, and potential for significant hazard, the dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of water resource management, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency preparedness in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

BARTLETT BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

48

Drainage Area

14.8

Nid Storage

520

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.