Peterson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Peterson, also known as the West Milton Dam, is a vital hydroelectric structure located in Vermont along the Lamoille River.


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Summary

This concrete gravity dam, completed in 1949, stands at a height of 51 feet and spans 507 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 2,840 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 155,400 cubic feet per second, Peterson plays a crucial role in water resource management and energy generation.

Managed by a public utility, Peterson falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and is subject to federal regulations and inspections. The dam's spillway, outlet gates, and controlled design contribute to its high hazard potential, leading to a very high risk assessment score of 1. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Peterson is currently unavailable, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Located in Chittenden County, Vermont, Peterson not only serves as a key hydroelectric facility but also poses challenges in terms of risk management and emergency preparedness. With its historical significance and significant impact on the surrounding environment and community, Peterson stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and infrastructure sustainability in the face of evolving regulatory standards and operational requirements.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

507

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

Lamoille River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

136

Drainage Area

700

Nid Storage

2840

Outlet Gates

Bascule - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

51
       
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.