Downers Mill dam
Downers Mill
Downers Mill, also known as Emory Mill Dam, is a private hydroelectric structure located on the Ottauquechee River in Hartford, Vermont. Built in 1983, this gravity dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 140 feet, the dam serves the primary purpose of generating hydroelectric power.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Downers Mill has a low hazard potential and is categorized with a moderate risk assessment level. While it is not state regulated, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Vermont Public Service Board. The dam has not undergone recent inspections, but its emergency action plan was last revised in 2009.
Despite its age, Downers Mill continues to play a vital role in harnessing the river's energy resources. With its unique multi-arch design and concrete construction, this dam is a notable feature in the Windsor County landscape. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, there is much to appreciate about the engineering and operational aspects of this historic hydroelectric structure in Vermont.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Downers Mill -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Ottauquechee River At North Hartland | 658 cfs | → |
| White River At West Hartford | 2,330 cfs | → |
| Connecticut River At West Lebanon | 24,000 cfs | → |
| Ompompanoosuc River At Union Village | 16 cfs | → |
| Ottauquechee River Near West Bridgewater | 79 cfs | → |
| Sugar River At West Claremont | 1,190 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Downers Mill .
Boat launches
- Connecticut River Boat Launch
- Mascoma Lake Boat Launch
- Sanders Road Bethel
- George Pond Boat Launch
- Crystal Lake Boat Launch
Campgrounds
- Quechee State Park
- Forest Campsite With Stream & Fire Ring
- Velvet Rocks Shelter
- Storrs Pond Rec Area
- Campsite 5
- Campsite 12
Fishing spots
Track Downers Mill in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Downers Mill
Where does the data for Downers Mill come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Downers Mill .