Lake Hortonia Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Lake Hortonia, located in Hubbardton, Vermont, is a picturesque water resource with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam at Lake Hortonia is a concrete structure with a height of 16 feet and a length of 150 feet, completed in 1955. With a storage capacity of 4500 acre-feet and a surface area of 449 acres, the lake provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.

Managed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Lake Hortonia is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency to ensure its safety and compliance with environmental standards. The dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, but is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in August 2016. While there are no associated structures or spillways, the dam serves as a key element in maintaining the water levels of the Hubbardton River-TR tributary.

Water and climate enthusiasts visiting Lake Hortonia can appreciate its serene beauty and recreational offerings, while also recognizing the importance of responsible management and maintenance of the dam to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. As one of the many water resources in Vermont, Lake Hortonia serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human enjoyment of natural resources and the need for sustainable conservation practices in the face of climate change.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

HUBBARDTON RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

449

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

6.96

Nid Storage

4500

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.