Pemberwick Dam

BYRAM RIVER· Fairfield, Connecticut· Built 1867· Concrete· 44 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Pemberwick Dam is classified as high hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1867 and is 159 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	44 ft (taller than 95.1% in CT)
Dam Length	115 ft
Dam Type	Concrete
Max Storage	60 acre-ft
Normal Storage	25 acre-ft

Surface Area	6 acres
Drainage Area	26 sq mi
Max Discharge	1,100 cfs
Year Completed	1867 (159 years old)
Year Modified	2005
NID ID	CT00042

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No

Last Inspection: August 10, 2012

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DEEP

Ownership

Waterfall Hollow of Greenwich LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

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Angulus Pond Dam

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Indian Spring Pond Dam

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Alden Pond Dam

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Blind Pond Dam

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Blind Brook Club Dam

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Rye Brook Estates Dam

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Bowman Ave Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pemberwick Dam?

Pemberwick Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Pemberwick Dam?

Pemberwick Dam is owned by Waterfall Hollow of Greenwich LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pemberwick Dam built?

Pemberwick Dam was completed in 1867, making it 159 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 Pemberwick Dam?

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

How tall is Pemberwick Dam?

Pemberwick Dam has a dam height of 44 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 Pemberwick Dam last inspected?

Pemberwick Dam was last inspected on August 10, 2012. 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.