Meccawe Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Meccawe Pond in Reading, Vermont, is a private recreational water resource with a significant history dating back to its completion in 1920.


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Summary

This Earth dam stands at 13 feet in height, providing a storage capacity of 85 acre-feet for its 1.3-acre drainage area. The pond covers 14 acres, offering a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities like fishing, boating, and birdwatching.

Managed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Meccawe Pond is regulated, inspected, and enforced for safety and compliance with state regulations. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam poses a significant hazard potential, prompting a regular inspection frequency of every three years. While the pond's spillway type, width, and outlet gates remain unspecified, the structure's stone core and soil foundations contribute to its sturdy construction and resilience against hydraulic forces.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Meccawe Pond presents an intriguing case study of a historic Earth dam that continues to serve as a vital recreational hub in Windsor County. With its captivating setting and essential role in local water management, the pond offers a prime example of how private owners and state agencies collaborate to ensure the safety and sustainability of such essential water resources. As ongoing assessments and risk management measures are implemented, Meccawe Pond stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between human recreation and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

BROAD BROOK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

1.3

Nid Storage

85

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
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.