Sugar Hill dam
Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill, also known as Goshen Dam, is a privately owned hydroelectric dam located in Lake Dunmore, Vermont. Constructed in 1931, this earth dam stands at a height of 60 feet and spans a length of 855 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 828 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to generate hydroelectric power from Sucker Brook, with a normal storage capacity of 785 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3032 cubic feet per second.
Despite being privately owned, Sugar Hill falls under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency, the Public Service Board (PSB), and is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The dam's hazard potential is considered high, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available, regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in September 2020. Additionally, an emergency action plan (EAP) is in place, meeting guidelines for risk management and ensuring preparedness for any potential incidents.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intricate details of dam infrastructure and operations will find Sugar Hill a fascinating subject. From its historical construction to its current regulatory oversight and emergency preparedness measures, this hydroelectric dam serves as a vital component of Vermont's energy infrastructure, harnessing the power of Sucker Brook to generate electricity while managing water resources in the region. With a focus on safety and risk management, Sugar Hill exemplifies the balance between harnessing natural resources for energy production and ensuring the protection of the environment and surrounding communities.
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 Sugar Hill -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Otter Creek At Middlebury | 1,030 cfs | → |
| New Haven River At Brooksville Nr Middlebury | 163 cfs | → |
| Ayers Brook At Randolph | 53 cfs | → |
| Otter Creek At Center Rutland | 564 cfs | → |
| Putnam Creek East Of Crown Point Center Ny | 373 cfs | → |
| Little Otter Creek At Ferrisburg | 37 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Sugar Hill .
Boat launches
- Willowbrook Road Sudbury
- Sudbury
- Chittenden Dam Access Road Chittenden
- Lhcs Road Hubbardton
- Mount Independence Road Orwell
- Hanson Road Shoreham
Campgrounds
- Moosalamoo
- Moosalamoo Campground
- Silver Lake Campground
- Branbury State Park
- Lake Dunmore Kampersville
- Bingo
Fishing spots
- Lefferts Pond Area
- Black Pond Access Point
- Combination Pond
- Moses Pond
- Heinburg Bridge Fishing Access Pier
Paddle runs
- Headwaters To End Of Fs Road 243
- End Of Fs Road 243 To Neshobe River
- Confluence With Alder Creek To Confluence With Middlebury River
- Proclamation Boundary To Proclamation Boundary
- Headwaters To Folsom Brook
- Source Above Fr 55 To Proclamation Boundary (Stony Brook)
More reservoirs
Track Sugar Hill 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 Sugar Hill
Where does the data for Sugar Hill 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 High 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 Sugar Hill .