Crystal Lake Dam
Crystal Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Litchfield County, Connecticut, built in 1878. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Crystal Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Crystal Lake Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Torrington Water Company (public utility). It impounds the Nickel Mine Brook near West Torrington.
The dam stands 36 feet tall and stretches 230 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 63 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1878, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/16/2023.
At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 83% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Connecticut |
| County | Litchfield |
| Nearest City | West Torrington |
| River/Stream | Nickel Mine Brook |
| Coordinates | 41.82029, -73.15095 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Height | 36 ft |
| Dam Length | 230 ft |
| Year Completed | 1878 (148 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 63 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 63 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 30 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,935 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Torrington Water Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 06/16/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00097 |
| Federal ID | CT00097 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |