Austin Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Austin Pond is a historic concrete dam located in Hubbardton, Vermont, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1900, the dam stands at 7 feet tall and spans 80 feet in length, creating a surface area of 28 acres and a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is still in use and regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

The dam's condition assessment in 2020 reported it as poor, with a low hazard potential, prompting a need for maintenance and potential upgrades. The last inspection in 2007 revealed a need for improvement, and a regular inspection frequency of 10 years is recommended. The dam overlooks the Lake Bomoseen-TR river/stream and is surrounded by a drainage area of 4.9 square miles. With Peter Welch as the local congressional representative, efforts may be made to secure funding for necessary repairs to ensure the long-term viability of Austin Pond for recreational use and environmental protection in the surrounding area.

Despite its current condition, Austin Pond remains a valuable resource for the community, offering opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. With proper maintenance and support from local and federal agencies, the dam can continue to serve its purpose while safeguarding the natural environment and water resources of Rutland County, Vermont. Advocates for water resource management and climate enthusiasts can monitor the progress of any restoration efforts to preserve this historic structure for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

80

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

LAKE BOMOSEEN-TR

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

4.9

Nid Storage

165

Structural Height

7

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

7
       
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.