Clark Falls Dam dam
Clark Falls Dam
Clark Falls Dam, located in North Stonington, Connecticut, stands as a crucial structure on Wyassup Brook, serving as a significant water resource for the region. This private-owned Earth dam measures 6 feet in height and stretches 320 feet in length, holding a surface area of 9 acres and draining an area of 11.4 square miles. Despite its relatively small size, the dam's presence is vital for maintaining water storage and controlling the flow of the brook.
State-regulated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Clark Falls Dam has been assessed as being in fair condition with a significant hazard potential. While its emergency action plan and risk assessment status remain unclear, the dam's inspection frequency of 5 years ensures regular monitoring of its structural integrity. With a spillway width of 32 feet and a location prone to natural disasters, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and flood control efforts in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Clark Falls Dam presents a unique case study in dam infrastructure management and environmental stewardship. As a private-owned structure with state oversight, the dam's maintenance and regulation highlight the intricate balance between water conservation, public safety, and ecological preservation. By understanding the dam's design, purpose, and risk assessment, enthusiasts can appreciate the complexities involved in safeguarding water resources in a changing climate landscape.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Clark Falls Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Pendleton Hill Brook Near Clarks Falls | 4 cfs | → |
| Pawcatuck River At Westerly | 302 cfs | → |
| Wood River At Hope Valley | 82 cfs | → |
| Pawcatuck River At Wood River Junction | 124 cfs | → |
| Wood River Near Arcadia | 38 cfs | → |
| Beaver River Near Usquepaug | 13 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Clark Falls Dam.
Boat launches
- Wyassup Lake
- Chapman Pond Boat Launch
- Blanchard Lane 98, Stonington
- Long Pond
- Glasgo Pond State Boat Launch
- Barn Island
Campgrounds
- Mystic Koa Holiday
- 315 - Burlingham
- Camp Watchaug (Westerly Ymca)
- Camp Hoffman
- Highland Campground
- Laurel Lock Camp
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
Track Clark Falls Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Clark Falls Dam
Where does the data for Clark Falls Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Clark Falls Dam.