Goss Brook Dam, located in Ashford, Connecticut, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1963.
Wind
Humidity
This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 38.5 feet and spans 650 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 530 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 23.9 acres and a drainage area of 1.8 square miles.
Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Goss Brook Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type with slide gates for outlet control, and it has been rated as having a high hazard potential with satisfactory condition assessment. Despite the moderate risk level indicated, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not explicitly provided in the available data, suggesting potential areas for improvement and further evaluation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Goss Brook Dam serves as an intriguing site for exploration and study in the realm of dam infrastructure, hydrology, and risk management. With its scenic location along Goss Brook and Joe Courtney (D) as the Congressional representative, the dam offers a unique opportunity to observe the intersection of environmental stewardship, recreational use, and regulatory oversight. As efforts continue to monitor and enhance the dam's safety measures, its role in the local ecosystem and community resilience remains a focal point for ongoing research and engagement.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
38.5 |
River Or Stream |
GOSS BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23.9 |
Drainage Area |
1.8 |
Nid Storage |
530 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
39 |
Mount Hope River Near Warrenville
|
32cfs |
Willimantic River Near Coventry
|
189cfs |
Natchaug River At Willimantic
|
322cfs |
Little River At Harrisville
|
85cfs |
Quinebaug River At Putnam
|
616cfs |
Shetucket River Near Willimantic
|
777cfs |