Frye Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Frye Lake Dam in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a privately owned structure built in 1930 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Situated on Greenwich Creek, this earth dam stands at 10 feet high and spans a length of 280 feet, with a storage capacity of 40.5 acre-feet. The dam's normal storage level is 15.2 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 12 acres and serving a drainage area of 0.55 square miles.

Despite its age, Frye Lake Dam has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition during its last inspection in April 2017, with a significant hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), which conducts regular inspections and enforces safety measures. The dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in March 2017, ensuring that proper guidelines are in place for emergency situations.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Frye Lake Dam will appreciate its historical significance and recreational value, as well as the ongoing efforts to maintain its safety and integrity. With its picturesque location and vital role in managing water levels on Greenwich Creek, Frye Lake Dam represents a harmonious blend of human engineering and environmental stewardship in the beautiful landscape of Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

GREENWICH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

0.55

Nid Storage

40.5

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.