Lake Sadawga Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Lake Sadawga, located in Whitingham, Vermont, is a recreational gem nestled in Windham County.


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Summary

This man-made reservoir, completed in 1880, serves as a popular spot for water enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape. With a surface area of 194 acres and a drainage area of 1.83 square miles, this Earth-type dam stands at 19 feet tall and spans 455 feet in length.

Despite its scenic beauty, Lake Sadawga poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam's inspection frequency is once a year, with the last assessment conducted in July 2020. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulates the state-owned reservoir, ensuring that necessary permits, inspections, and enforcement measures are in place to safeguard the surrounding community and ecosystem.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, Lake Sadawga serves as a crucial site for monitoring and managing potential risks. With its proximity to the Harriman Reservoir-TR, this reservoir plays a vital role in local water management. While the dam's condition may be a cause for concern, efforts to improve its safety and resilience are essential in protecting this cherished recreational resource for future generations of water and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1880

Dam Length

455

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

HARRIMAN RESERVOIR-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

194

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

1.83

Nid Storage

1939

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.