Crystal Lake dam
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake in Orleans, Vermont is a stunning water resource nestled in the heart of Barton, boasting a picturesque setting that is perfect for recreation enthusiasts and climate-conscious individuals alike. This state-owned reservoir, completed in 1860, stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices, with its concrete dam type and multi-arch core design ensuring both functionality and environmental preservation. With a maximum storage capacity of 6740 acre-feet and a surface area of 778 acres, Crystal Lake offers a tranquil escape for visitors seeking to bask in the beauty of nature.
Managed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Crystal Lake is a vital water source regulated and inspected by state authorities to ensure its safety and structural integrity. Despite its significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the reservoir remains a popular destination for outdoor activities and serves as a model for responsible water management in the region. With its proximity to the Barton River and a drainage area of 22.58 square miles, Crystal Lake plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding area.
As climate change continues to impact water resources across the globe, Crystal Lake stands as a shining example of sustainable infrastructure and responsible stewardship. With its rich history, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities, this reservoir serves as a beacon of hope for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to protect and preserve our natural environment for future generations to enjoy.
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 Crystal Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Black River At Coventry | 637 cfs | → |
| Clyde River At Newport | 563 cfs | → |
| East Branch Passumpsic River Near East Haven | 193 cfs | → |
| Missisquoi River Near North Troy | 434 cfs | → |
| Pope Brook (Site W-3) Nr. N. Danville | 12 cfs | → |
| Sleepers River (Site W-5) Near St. Johnsbury | 126 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Crystal Lake.
Boat launches
- Lake Street Barton
- Access Lane Glover
- Shadow Lake Road Glover
- Vt 5a Westmore
- Cold Spring Lane Glover
- South Beach Trail Westmore
Campgrounds
- Page
- Tree Corners Family Campground
- Prouty Beach Campground
- Millbrook Campground
- Hazen's Notch Campground
- Brighton State Park
Paddle runs
Track Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake
Where does the data for Crystal Lake 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 Significant 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 Crystal Lake.