American Felt Dam
American Felt Dam is a masonry dam located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, built in 1867. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About American Felt Dam
The primary purpose of American Felt Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by 1881 Limited Liability Company (private). It impounds the Byram River near Pemberwick.
The dam stands 37 feet tall and stretches 208 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 49 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 25 square miles. Completed in 1867, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/05/2025.
At 37 feet, this dam is taller than 84% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Connecticut dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Connecticut |
| County | Fairfield |
| Nearest City | Pemberwick |
| River/Stream | Byram River |
| Coordinates | 41.03737, -73.66585 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Length | 208 ft |
| Year Completed | 1867 (159 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 49 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 49 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 36 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2 acres |
| Drainage Area | 25 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,335 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | 1881 Limited Liability Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/05/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00043 |
| Federal ID | CT00043 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |