Vergennes Center Spillway Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Vergennes Center Spillway, located in Vermont along the Otter Creek, was completed in 1912 and serves a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.


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Summary

The spillway is a concrete structure with a height of 12 feet and a length of 60 feet, with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. It has a low hazard potential and is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Despite its age, the Vergennes Center Spillway has a moderate risk assessment rating and has not undergone recent condition assessments. While it is considered to have a low hazard potential, its risk management measures and emergency action plan status are not currently available. The spillway has not been modified in recent years and has a history of inspections by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Vergennes Center Spillway an interesting structure due to its historical significance as a hydroelectric facility and its potential for future risk management considerations. With its location in the scenic town of Vergennes and its role in power generation along the Otter Creek, the spillway offers a unique blend of environmental and engineering elements that make it a noteworthy site for study and monitoring in the realm of water resource management.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

60

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Otter Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

133

Drainage Area

866

Nid Storage

200

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

12
       
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.