Ball Mountain Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Ball Mountain Dam, located in Jamaica, Vermont, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 247 feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 54,700 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 150,000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels on the West River.

Despite its high hazard potential, Ball Mountain Dam has a moderate risk assessment (3) and is equipped with an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to address any potential emergencies. The US Army Corps of Engineers employs various risk management measures, including regular monitoring, maintenance, and collaboration with local emergency managers to ensure the dam's structural integrity and public safety. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 235 feet, and in case of severe weather events, water may be released to maintain the dam's stability and manage downstream water levels. More detailed information on risk management specific to Ball Mountain Dam is expected to be added in the future.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

915

Dam Height

247

River Or Stream

WEST

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

800

Hydraulic Height

242

Drainage Area

172

Nid Storage

54700

Structural Height

247

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

247
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.