Lake Phipps Dam #3
Lake Phipps Dam #3 is an earth dam located in New Haven County, Connecticut, built in 1920. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lake Phipps Dam #3
The primary purpose of Lake Phipps Dam #3 is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Lake Phipps Special Taxing District (local government). It impounds the Cove River near West Haven.
The dam stands 12 feet tall and stretches 125 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 24 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 245 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1920, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/20/2020.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Connecticut dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Connecticut |
| County | New Haven |
| Nearest City | West Haven |
| River/Stream | Cove River |
| Coordinates | 41.26488, -72.96927 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 12 ft |
| Dam Height | 8 ft |
| Dam Length | 125 ft |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 245 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 245 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 245 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 24 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Lake Phipps Special Taxing District |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/20/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00109 |
| Federal ID | CT00109S03 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |