Stiles Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Stiles Pond, located in Waterford, Vermont, is a significant water resource managed by the local government for water supply purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This gravity dam, completed in 1877, stands at 14 feet high and spans 148 feet in length, providing storage capacity of 1825 acre-feet. The pond covers a surface area of 146 acres and receives water from the Stiles Brook, with a drainage area of 6.07 square miles.

Despite its historical importance, Stiles Pond poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, indicating the need for maintenance and potential rehabilitation. The dam is regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The last inspection in June 2017 revealed the need for attention to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure in the face of potential climate-related challenges.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts should take note of Stiles Pond as a vital component of Vermont's water supply infrastructure. The dam's historical significance, combined with its current condition assessment and hazard potential, underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and potential rehabilitation efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of this critical water resource in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1877

Dam Length

148

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

STILES BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

146

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

6.07

Nid Storage

1825

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
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.