North Springfield Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

The North Springfield Dam, also known as North Springfield Lake, is a gravity dam located on the Black River in Springfield, Vermont.


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Summary

Completed in 1960 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction and recreational purposes. With a height of 118 feet and a storage capacity of 76,500 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flooding risks to surrounding communities.

Although the dam significantly reduces the risk of flooding, there are still potential hazards associated with high volume releases from the spillway during significant storm events. In a worst-case scenario where the dam fails, downstream flooding could be swift and deep, resulting in loss of life and destruction of buildings and infrastructure in communities along the Black River. Despite being classified as having a moderate risk, the US Army Corps of Engineers actively manages and monitors the dam to prioritize activities that will most impact risk reduction, and regularly updates the emergency action plan to ensure readiness in case of a dam-related emergency.

Overall, the North Springfield Dam plays a critical role in flood risk management in the region, and continuous efforts are made to ensure its safety and effectiveness in protecting downstream communities. While the risk of failure remains low, it is essential to have robust emergency preparedness measures in place to respond effectively in the unlikely event of a dam-related emergency.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

2940

Dam Height

118

River Or Stream

BLACK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

100

Hydraulic Height

113

Drainage Area

158

Nid Storage

76500

Structural Height

118

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

118
       
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.