Gorge No. 18 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Chace Mill Essex No. 19
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Gorge No.
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Summary
18, located in South Burlington, Vermont, along the Winooski River, is a concrete hydroelectric dam completed in 1914 with a height of 46 feet and a length of 350 feet. This dam serves as a crucial structure for generating hydroelectric power in the region, with a storage capacity of 1690 acre-feet and a surface area of 87 acres. Despite its age, this dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment as of yet.
Owned and operated by a public utility, Gorge No. 18 is under state jurisdiction in Vermont and is not regulated by the state regulatory agency. The dam has not undergone any recent inspections since May 1984, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place for this structure. With its multi-arch core type and rock foundation, this dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area, contributing to the overall sustainability of the region's energy infrastructure.
As a significant contributor to the renewable energy sector, Gorge No. 18 represents a piece of Vermont's hydroelectric infrastructure with a rich history dating back over a century. Its presence along the Winooski River highlights the importance of balancing energy needs with environmental conservation, as the dam continues to provide clean, reliable power while also posing minimal risk to the surrounding community. With ongoing monitoring and potential updates to its emergency preparedness measures, Gorge No. 18 serves as a key asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable energy solutions and infrastructure resilience.
Year Completed |
1914 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
46 |
River Or Stream |
WINOOSKI RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
87 |
Hydraulic Height |
46 |
Drainage Area |
1080 |
Nid Storage |
1690 |
Structural Height |
46 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
46 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Winooski River Near Essex Junction
|
820cfs |
Englesby Brook At Burlington
|
15cfs |
Potash Br @ Queen City Park Rd
|
116cfs |
Laplatte River At Shelburne Falls
|
15cfs |
Lamoille River At East Georgia
|
1660cfs |
Bouquet River At Willsboro Ny
|
152cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
North Beach
|
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Scouts Point
|
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Appletree Bay Campground
|
Gorge No. 18
Lake Champlain At Burlington
Pearl Street Essex Junction