Paine Site No. 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Paine Site No. 2 Crystal Lake
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Paine Site No.
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Summary
1, located in Barton, Vermont, along the Willoughby River, is a privately owned recreational dam designed by the USDA NRCS in 1969. This earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet, with a structural height of 33 feet and a length of 334 feet. It provides a storage capacity of 163 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10 acres, serving primarily for recreation purposes. The dam is regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Paine Site No. 1 is assessed to be in fair condition as of July 2017. The dam has an inspection frequency of 3 years, with the last inspection conducted in July 2017. In case of emergencies, a detailed Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has not been prepared, but the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3 out of 5). The dam is not under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and no specific risk management measures have been reported.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Paine Site No. 1 presents an interesting case study of a privately owned recreational dam in Vermont. The dam's construction by the USDA NRCS and its regulation by the state highlight the collaborative efforts to manage water resources for recreational purposes while ensuring safety and compliance. The dam's condition assessment, hazard potential, and risk assessment provide valuable insights into the challenges and considerations involved in maintaining and managing dams in a changing climate. Further research and monitoring of Paine Site No. 1 could contribute to a better understanding of the intersection between water resource management, climate change, and recreational infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
334 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOUGHBY RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
163 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Page
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Tree Corners Family Campground
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Prouty Beach Campground
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Paine Site No. 1
Lake Memphremagog At Newport
Lake Street Barton