Falls Mill Dam Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Falls Mill Dam Upper, located in Norwich, Connecticut, along the Yantic River, is a historic masonry dam completed in 1910 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

With a height of 10 feet and a length of 75 feet, this dam provides a normal storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 8 acres. The dam is state-regulated and inspected by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to ensure public safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Despite its fair condition assessment in 2013, Falls Mill Dam Upper is classified as having a significant hazard potential due to its age and design. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1480 cubic feet per second, making it crucial to monitor and maintain regularly. The last inspection in 2013 revealed that the dam requires attention to ensure its long-term stability and safety. Emergency action plans and risk assessments have yet to be fully developed, highlighting the need for proactive risk management measures to protect surrounding communities and the environment in case of a potential failure.

As an essential part of the local water resource infrastructure, Falls Mill Dam Upper serves both recreational and environmental purposes along the Yantic River. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate resilience can appreciate the historical significance of this dam while advocating for its maintenance and necessary upgrades to ensure its continued safe operation for the community and surrounding ecosystems.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

75

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Yantic River

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

97.6

Nid Storage

72

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

10
       
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.