Happy Acres Dam, also known as Rychlings Pond, is a privately owned structure located in Ashford, Connecticut.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Mount Hope River Near Warrenville
|
32cfs |
Willimantic River Near Coventry
|
189cfs |
Natchaug River At Willimantic
|
322cfs |
Shetucket River Near Willimantic
|
777cfs |
Little River At Harrisville
|
85cfs |
Quinebaug River At Putnam
|
616cfs |