Happy Acres Dam
Key Takeaway
Happy Acres Dam is classified as significant hazard in Connecticut. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 20 ft (taller than 72.5% in CT) |
| Dam Length | 230 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 410 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 90 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 230 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2013 |
| NID ID | CT00464 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
The Salvation Army
Private
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What is the hazard classification of Happy Acres Dam?
Happy Acres Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Happy Acres Dam?
Happy Acres Dam is owned by The Salvation Army (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Happy Acres Dam built?
Happy Acres Dam was completed in 1973, making it 53 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Happy Acres Dam?
Happy Acres Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Happy Acres Dam?
Happy Acres Dam has a dam height of 20 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Happy Acres Dam last inspected?
Happy Acres Dam was last inspected on April 22, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.