Vernon dam
Vernon
Vernon, a private hydroelectric dam located in Cheshire, New Hampshire, stands as a testament to sustainable energy generation and recreational opportunities along the Connecticut River. Completed in 1909, this concrete gravity dam boasts a height of 58 feet and a length of 956 feet, with a storage capacity of 54,000 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 18,300 acre-feet. Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Vernon serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
With a controlled spillway width of 600 feet and a maximum discharge of 224,700 cubic feet per second, Vernon is equipped to handle potential risks and emergencies with a low hazard potential. Despite its age, the dam's very high risk assessment rating indicates proactive risk management measures are in place to ensure its continued safe operation. Additionally, Vernon offers recreational opportunities and environmental benefits, making it a multifaceted asset in the region. As a key player in the New England District, Vernon symbolizes the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and sustainable energy practices.
As a pivotal structure in New Hampshire's water infrastructure, Vernon represents the harmonious balance between hydroelectric power generation and environmental stewardship. Its strategic location on the Connecticut River not only supports renewable energy production but also provides a platform for recreation and conservation efforts. With a rich history dating back over a century, Vernon's enduring presence underscores the importance of responsible water resource management and climate-conscious practices in safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.
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.
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 Vernon -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Ashuelot River At Hinsdale | 1,700 cfs | → |
| Green River Near Colrain | 71 cfs | → |
| Ashuelot River At West Swanzey | 1,420 cfs | → |
| Millers River At Erving | 1,210 cfs | → |
| Connecticut River At Montague City | 36,200 cfs | → |
| North River At Shattuckville | 116 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Vernon .
Boat launches
- Connecticut River Boat Launch
- Spofford Lake Boat Launch
- Swanzey Lake Boat Launch
- Wilson Pond Boat Launch
- Lake Raponda Road Wilmington
Campgrounds
- Fort Dummer State Park
- Richardson-Zlogar Cabin
- Barton Cove
- Swanzey Lake Camping Area
- Pilgrim Pines Camping Area
- Erving State Forest
Paddle runs
- Headwaters To Confluence With West River (End Of Sherman Road)
- First Bridge Upstream On Route 100 To Confluence With West River
- Headwaters To First Bridge Upstream On Route 100
- Headwaters To North Of Searsburg Reservoir
- Stamford Town Line To Confluence With City Stream
- Headwaters To First Bridge
Track Vernon in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Vernon
Where does the data for Vernon 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 Low 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Vernon .