Falls Village

Housatonic River· Litchfield, Connecticut· Built 1913· Concrete· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Falls Village is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 58.6% in CT)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.1K acre-ft
Surface Area150 acres
Drainage Area634 sq mi
Max Discharge1,855 cfs
Year Completed1913 (113 years old)
NID IDCT00514

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 27, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

FirstLight Power Services LLC

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Falls Village?

Falls Village is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Falls Village?

Falls Village is owned by FirstLight Power Services LLC (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Falls Village built?

Falls Village was completed in 1913, making it 113 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Falls Village?

Falls Village serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Falls Village?

Falls Village has a dam height of 15 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Falls Village last inspected?

Falls Village was last inspected on July 27, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.