Oxoboxo Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oxoboxo Lake Dam in Connecticut serves as a crucial structure for recreation, with a primary purpose of providing leisure activities for enthusiasts in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1810, this masonry dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans a length of 166 feet. It holds a storage capacity of 2,573 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 157 acres, making it a significant feature in the region.

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of December 2018. The dam is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, measures for risk management and emergency preparedness are crucial for the continued safety and maintenance of Oxoboxo Lake Dam.

Located in Montville, New London County, Oxoboxo Lake Dam plays a vital role in managing the flow of Oxoboxo Brook and maintaining the water levels of the surrounding area. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure like Oxoboxo Lake Dam becomes increasingly evident. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find a wealth of information and challenges in the management and preservation of this historic dam.

Year Completed

1810

Dam Length

166

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

OXOBOXO BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

157

Drainage Area

3.29

Nid Storage

2573

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds