Stevenson
Stevenson is a concrete dam located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, built in 1919. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Stevenson
The primary purpose of Stevenson is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Firstlight Power Services Llc (public utility). It impounds the Housatonic River near Oxford.
The dam stands 103 feet tall and stretches 1,250 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,032 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 26,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,542 square miles. Completed in 1919, the structure is over a century old.
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 07/27/2022.
At 103 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Oxford |
| River/Stream | Housatonic River |
| Coordinates | 41.38290, -73.17140 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 103 ft |
| Dam Height | 103 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,250 ft |
| Year Completed | 1919 (107 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 26,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 26,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 23,520 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,032 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,542 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 213,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | FirstLight Power Services LLC |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/27/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CT00023 |
| Federal ID | CT00023 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |