East Barre Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

East Barre, located in Barre Town, Vermont, is home to a significant flood risk reduction infrastructure known as the East Barre dam.


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Summary

Constructed in 1935 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this earth dam stands at a height of 65 feet and spans a length of 1632 feet along the Jail Branch river. With a storage capacity of 23,550 acre-feet, the dam serves as a crucial defense against potential flooding in the area.

Managed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, the East Barre dam is deemed to have a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in fair condition. Regular inspections and enforcement measures are carried out to ensure the safety and efficacy of the structure. While primarily designed for flood risk reduction, the dam also plays a role in water resource management, with a drainage area of 39 square miles and a surface area of 687 acres.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience will find East Barre and its dam to be a fascinating example of proactive infrastructure designed to protect against the impacts of extreme weather events. With its strategic location in Washington County, Vermont, the East Barre dam stands as a testament to the importance of effective state-regulated water management systems in mitigating the potential risks posed by changing climatic conditions.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

1632

Dam Height

65

River Or Stream

JAIL BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

687

Hydraulic Height

60

Drainage Area

39

Nid Storage

23550

Structural Height

65

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

65
       
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.