Happy Acres Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Happy Acres Dam, also known as Rychlings Pond, is a privately owned structure located in Ashford, Connecticut.


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Summary

Built in 1973, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 90 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 230 feet in length, with a controlled spillway and other controlled outlet gates ensuring proper water management.

Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Happy Acres Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to maintain its satisfactory condition and mitigate its significant hazard potential. The dam holds a very high risk assessment rating (1), prompting a five-year inspection frequency to ensure public safety. While the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and inundation maps are currently unlisted, the structure's operation and maintenance are crucial to prevent any potential risks in the future.

Artfully nestled along Lowry Brook, Happy Acres Dam not only offers a picturesque recreational spot in Windham County but also serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area. With Joe Courtney (D) representing the district, the dam underscores the importance of proper infrastructure management and risk assessment in the face of climate change and evolving hydrological conditions. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and advocating for the proper stewardship of structures like Happy Acres Dam is essential in ensuring sustainable water management practices for future generations.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

LOWRY BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

90

Drainage Area

1.15

Nid Storage

1000

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.