Woodridge Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Woodridge Lake Dam, located in West Hartford, Connecticut, stands as a vital structure along Trout Brook.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this private dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene 28-acre surface area for residents and visitors to enjoy. Standing at a height of 12 feet and stretching 600 feet in length, Woodridge Lake Dam holds a normal storage capacity of 154 acre-feet, making it a significant feature in the area.

Despite its age, Woodridge Lake Dam remains in satisfactory condition, as assessed during its last inspection in November 2018. With a significant hazard potential but moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam continues to be monitored and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and slide (sluice gate) outlet gates, the dam is well-prepared for emergencies, with an inspection frequency of 7 years to ensure its safety and functionality for the surrounding community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Woodridge Lake Dam serves as a fascinating example of a historic earth dam that not only provides recreational opportunities but also plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the Hartford area. Its presence along Trout Brook adds to the natural beauty of the region while highlighting the importance of maintaining and safeguarding such essential infrastructure for both present and future generations.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TROUT BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Drainage Area

1.62

Nid Storage

154

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.