Richards Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Richards is a privately owned dam located in Marshfield, Vermont, along the Winooski River.


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Summary

Constructed in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes and stands at a height of 15 feet with a length of 235 feet. It has a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres, with a drainage area of 1.07 square miles.

The dam is regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and undergoes regular inspections, with its last assessment conducted in November 2020, resulting in a satisfactory condition assessment. Despite its significant hazard potential, the risk assessment for Richards is moderate, with emergency action plans and inundation maps yet to be prepared. With a spillway type classified as uncontrolled, the dam's risk management measures and potential risk characterization require further attention to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Richards' location within the New England District and its impact on the local ecosystem and community make it a crucial focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts. As efforts continue to enhance the dam's safety and resilience, its significance in the region's water management and recreational activities underscores the importance of sustainable infrastructure development and proactive risk mitigation strategies.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

235

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

WINOOSKI RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

1.07

Nid Storage

115

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.