Spooner Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Spooner is a historic hydroelectric dam located on the Housatonic River in Gaylordsville, Connecticut.


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Summary

Built in 1902, this rockfill dam stands at 17 feet in height and spans 156 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation and recreation, with a maximum discharge capability of 10,900 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Spooner Dam has a low hazard potential and is not currently regulated by the state. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is not available, and it undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its structural integrity. With a spillway width of 131 feet and a drainage area of 784 square miles, Spooner plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the Litchfield County region.

Although its emergency action plan was last revised in 2012, Spooner Dam continues to meet safety guidelines and remains a key component of the region's risk management measures. With its moderate risk assessment rating, efforts are ongoing to ensure the dam's continued safe operation and to address any potential risks associated with its structure. As a significant water resource infrastructure in the area, Spooner Dam underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices and the integration of climate considerations in infrastructure planning.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

156

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

Housatonic River

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

120

Drainage Area

784

Nid Storage

400

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.