East Barre, located in Barre Town, Vermont, is home to a significant flood risk reduction infrastructure known as the East Barre dam. Constructed in 1935 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this earth dam stands at a height of 65 feet and spans a length of 1632 feet along the Jail Branch river. With a storage capacity of 23,550 acre-feet, the dam serves as a crucial defense against potential flooding in the area.

Managed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, the East Barre dam is deemed to have a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in fair condition. Regular inspections and enforcement measures are carried out to ensure the safety and efficacy of the structure. While primarily designed for flood risk reduction, the dam also plays a role in water resource management, with a drainage area of 39 square miles and a surface area of 687 acres.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience will find East Barre and its dam to be a fascinating example of proactive infrastructure designed to protect against the impacts of extreme weather events. With its strategic location in Washington County, Vermont, the East Barre dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective state-regulated water management systems in mitigating the potential risks posed by changing climatic conditions.