Andover Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Andover, Connecticut, the Andover Lake Dam stands as a concrete structure completed in 1920, serving primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This private dam, standing at 18 feet in height and stretching 590 feet in length, holds a storage capacity of 1460 acre-feet within its borders, encompassing a surface area of 166 acres.

With the Cheney Brook flowing nearby, the Andover Lake Dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in April 2020. Additionally, the dam has an emergency action plan in place, although its last revision dates back to April 2018.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the Andover Lake Dam a compelling subject of interest, given its historical significance, recreational value, and the ongoing efforts to maintain its safety and functionality in the face of potential risks. The dam's moderate risk rating and the regulatory oversight by the state suggest a commitment to balancing the benefits of this water resource with the need for proper management and mitigation strategies.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

590

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

CHENEY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

166

Drainage Area

3.96

Nid Storage

1460

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

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.