Silver Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Silver Lake in Barnard, Vermont is a picturesque water resource managed by the state with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

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.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

POND BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

84

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

1.71

Nid Storage

1710

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.