Billings Avery Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Billings Avery Dam, located in Ledyard, Connecticut, is a local government-owned structure built in 1968 for water supply purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 18.5 feet and has a length of 370 feet, creating the Billings Avery Reservoir with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Billings Avery Brook and serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Billings Avery Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam has a spillway width of 60 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1900 cubic feet per second. With a drainage area of 2 acres and a surface area of 11 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and ensuring a stable supply for the community.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Billings Avery Dam is regulated by the state and subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures. With its strategic location and vital role in water supply management, this dam stands as a key infrastructure in the region, showcasing the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

18.5

River Or Stream

BILLINGS AVERY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

54

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
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.