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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Yantic River At Yantic
|
147cfs |
Shetucket River At Taftville
|
885cfs |
Quinebaug River At Jewett City
|
1380cfs |
Little River Near Hanover
|
44cfs |
Shetucket River Near Willimantic
|
777cfs |
Natchaug River At Willimantic
|
322cfs |