Richards Corner Compensating Dam Dam
Richards Corner Compensating Dam
Located in New Hartford, Connecticut, the Richards Corner Compensating Dam serves as a vital water supply structure for the region. Built in 1920, this earth dam stands at 75 feet tall and stretches 950 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 13,470 acre-feet and a surface area of 455 acres. The dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the East Branch Farmington River, with a drainage area of 61.2 square miles.
Managed by a public utility, this dam is state-regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, it is assessed to be in fair condition as of the latest inspection in September 2020. The dam's primary purpose of water supply underscores its importance in providing essential water resources to the community while also posing challenges in terms of potential risks and management measures.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Richards Corner Compensating Dam stands as a symbol of sustainable water management in Connecticut. Its historical significance, engineering design, and role in water supply make it a noteworthy site for those interested in the intersection of water resources, infrastructure, and environmental conservation. The dam's presence on the East Branch Farmington River adds to its appeal as a focal point for understanding the complex dynamics of water systems and climate resilience in the region.
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 Richards Corner Compensating Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| West Branch Farmington River At Riverton | 119 cfs | → |
| Burlington Brook Near Burlington | 1 cfs | → |
| Still River At Robertsville | 14 cfs | → |
| Farmington River At Unionville | 139 cfs | → |
| Farmington River At Tariffville | 256 cfs | → |
| Hubbard River Nr. West Hartland | 2 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Richards Corner Compensating Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Richards Corner Compensating Dam
Where does the data for Richards Corner Compensating 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 High 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 below 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.
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.