Wright Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Wright Reservoir, located in Hartford, Vermont, is a significant earth dam completed in 1930 with a height of 36 feet and a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, serving primarily for water supply purposes.


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Summary

The reservoir spans over 3 acres with a drainage area of 0.06 square miles, drawing water from the Connecticut River-TR. Despite its age, the dam is in poor condition, posing a significant hazard potential, as indicated by the last inspection in 2015.

The dam is under state jurisdiction and regulation by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), with inspection, enforcement, and permitting all under state control. Despite its poor condition, the dam has not been modified in recent years, and there are no emergency action plans or inundation maps prepared in case of a potential breach. The risk assessment and management measures for the dam are also not specified, highlighting the need for more proactive maintenance and safety measures to ensure the reservoir's long-term stability and functionality for water resource management in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wright Reservoir presents a unique case study in dam infrastructure management and the challenges of maintaining aging structures for water supply purposes. The reservoir's location in Windsor County, Vermont, along the Connecticut River-TR, adds an ecological and hydrological significance to its operation. With a poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the dam's future maintenance and risk management strategies will be critical in sustaining its role in the local water supply system while mitigating potential environmental impacts.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

CONNECTICUT RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

0.06

Nid Storage

53

Structural Height

36

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.