Taftsville Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Taftsville, located in Windsor, Vermont, is a concrete gravity dam on the Ottauquechee River that was completed in 1910 for hydroelectric purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 18 feet and a length of 220 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 190 square miles. Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Taftsville has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, making it a key structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor.

Despite not being state regulated, Taftsville is under the jurisdiction of the Public Utility Regulatory Agency, ensuring its compliance with safety standards and inspections. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 194 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge rate of 15,300 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam has undergone regular inspections with a frequency of three years, with the last inspection conducted in October 2016. As a historical landmark in the region, Taftsville serves as a vital component of Vermont's water infrastructure, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Ottauquechee River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

21

Drainage Area

190

Nid Storage

80

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

18
       
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.