VERMONT RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Vermont's dams and reservoirs play a critical role in water management for the state, encompassing diverse needs such as flood control, water supply, and recreation. Recent data indicates that some reservoirs are experiencing atypical conditions for this period of the year. A comparison of current water surface elevations to historical averages reveals that the East Barre Detention Reservoir and Wrightsville Detention Reservoir are slightly above their average levels, with current readings at 1135 feet and 638 feet above the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 1929) respectively, compared to averages of 1129.4 and 635.38 feet. Conversely, Lake Champlain at Burlington and Lake Memphremagog at Newport are reporting levels below average, with current measurements of 94 and 681 feet respectively, against averages of 96.38 and 682.04 feet. It's important to note that Waterbury Reservoir near Waterbury is exhibiting a lower air temperature than average, at 10 degrees Celsius compared to the average of 12.43 degrees.

These abnormal conditions may be connected to factors such as fluctuating snowpack levels and variations in river flows. The higher water levels observed at East Barre and Wrightsville could be attributed to recent precipitation events or snowmelt, which have not been fully offset by water outflows. On the other hand, the lower than average water levels at Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog could imply a decrease in inflows due to below-average precipitation, warmer temperatures leading to increased evaporation, or upstream water management decisions. The reduced air temperature at Waterbury Reservoir could be impacting the thermal profile of the reservoir, potentially affecting its ecological dynamics. Although the current data does not directly connect these trends to broader national water issues highlighted by E&E News, such as pollution or water supply risks, the importance of monitoring and managing local water resources within the context of regional and national water challenges remains significant.

Vermont has numerous dams and reservoirs that serve multiple purposes, including flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include the Lake Champlain, the Green Mountain Reservoir, and the Harriman Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, such as the Otter Creek, the Lamoille River, and the West River. The snowpack and mountains are crucial to the hydrology of the area, as snowmelt from the mountains provides a significant portion of the water that feeds the reservoirs. The state has experienced record drought conditions in recent years, with dry spells affecting the water levels in the reservoirs. However, seasonal trends show that water levels typically increase during the spring and summer months when snowmelt and rainfall are more abundant. Overall, the reservoirs and dams in Vermont play a vital role in managing the state's water resources and supporting various industries and activities.

Vermont has numerous dams and reservoirs that serve multiple purposes, including flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include the Lake Champlain, the Green Mountain Reservoir, and the Harriman Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, such as the Otter Creek, the Lamoille River, and the West River. The snowpack and mountains are crucial to the hydrology of the area, as snowmelt from the mountains provides a significant portion of the water that feeds the reservoirs. The state has experienced record drought conditions in recent years, with dry spells affecting the water levels in the reservoirs. However, seasonal trends show that water levels typically increase during the spring and summer months when snowmelt and rainfall are more abundant. Overall, the reservoirs and dams in Vermont play a vital role in managing the state's water resources and supporting various industries and activities.