Yaskot & Ahearn Spillway Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Yaskot & Ahearn Spillway, located in Wallingford, Connecticut, along the Quinnipiac River, was completed in 1880 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This concrete dam stands at a height of 10 feet and spans 80 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. The spillway width is 60 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 2104 cubic feet per second.

Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The hazard potential of the spillway is considered significant, although the condition assessment is currently not rated. Despite its age, the structure remains a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the New Haven County area.

The Yaskot & Ahearn Spillway serves as a vital recreational resource while also posing challenges in terms of potential hazards and regulatory oversight. As climate change impacts water resources, the need for proper management and maintenance of such structures becomes increasingly important. Water enthusiasts and stakeholders alike are drawn to the historical significance and environmental implications of this dam on the Quinnipiac River, making it a focal point for conservation efforts and public engagement in water resource management.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

80

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

QUINNIPIAC RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

98.8

Nid Storage

54

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.