Silver Lake in Barnard, Vermont is a picturesque water resource managed by the state with a primary purpose of recreation. This gravity dam, designed by DUBOIS & KING and completed in 1968, has a height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 1710 acre-feet. The dam, located on Pond Brook, spans 100 feet in length and covers a surface area of 84 acres, providing a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Silver Lake poses a high hazard potential and is subject to regular state inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. The dam's structural integrity is maintained by soil foundations and its multi-arch core design. The surrounding Windsor County community benefits from this recreational resource, with the dam serving as a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other leisure activities.

As climate change intensifies, the protection and management of water resources like Silver Lake will become increasingly vital. Enthusiasts and stakeholders in the water resource and climate sectors can appreciate the significance of this state-regulated dam in maintaining the ecological balance and recreational opportunities in the region, while also ensuring the safety and sustainability of the surrounding environment.