Bulls Bridge Forebay Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bulls Bridge Forebay Dike, located in Gaylordsville, Connecticut, is a crucial structure designed for hydroelectric purposes along the Housatonic River.


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Summary

Built in 1903, this earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet and spans 650 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 400 acre-feet. The dam serves as a significant component in managing the water resources of the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1250 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Bulls Bridge Forebay Dike also caters to recreational activities in addition to its primary hydroelectric function. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 32 feet, ensuring effective water flow management during times of excess water. Despite its age, the dam's hazard potential is deemed significant, and regular inspections are conducted to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

With a moderate risk assessment rating, Bulls Bridge Forebay Dike plays a vital role in water resource management in Litchfield County, Connecticut. Its historical significance, combined with its functional importance for hydroelectricity generation and recreation, underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of this essential infrastructure.

Year Completed

1903

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

Housatonic River

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

120

Drainage Area

784

Nid Storage

400

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

39
       
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.