West Charleston Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

West Charleston, also known as Lubber Lake Dam, is a private dam located in West Charleston, Vermont.


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Summary

Built in 1928 for hydroelectric purposes, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Clyde River, with a drainage area of 108 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 2730 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, West Charleston Dam has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. While the dam has not undergone recent condition assessments, emergency action plans have been prepared and updated as of November 2019. With a spillway width of 107 feet and a surface area of 40 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and electricity generation in the region.

Despite being privately owned, West Charleston Dam is under federal regulation and inspection by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Its strategic location on the Clyde River contributes to the overall water resource infrastructure in Orleans County, Vermont. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management will find West Charleston Dam to be a fascinating example of early 20th-century hydroelectric engineering and its ongoing significance in the local ecosystem.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

196.3

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

Clyde River

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

40

Drainage Area

108

Nid Storage

220

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

28
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds