East Long Pond, located in Woodbury, Vermont, is a local government-owned reservoir with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1930 by designer H. K. Barrows, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 3,620 acre-feet. With a surface area of 177 acres and a drainage area of 3.47 square miles, East Long Pond is a popular destination for water enthusiasts and climate aficionados alike.

Despite its picturesque setting, East Long Pond poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam, constructed with stone core and soil foundation, is regulated and permitted by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. With a history of state inspection and enforcement, East Long Pond serves as a critical water resource in Washington County, Vermont. However, its current risk assessment and emergency action plan are lacking, raising concerns for the surrounding community in the event of a catastrophic failure.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and improving dams like East Long Pond becomes increasingly apparent. With a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, there is a pressing need for risk management measures and updated emergency action plans to ensure the safety and resilience of this essential water source. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, East Long Pond serves as a reminder of the complex challenges facing our water infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.