Woodbury Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Woodbury Upper is a privately owned dam located in Woodbury, Vermont, along the Dog Pond Brook.


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Summary

Built in 1949 for recreational purposes, this gravity dam stands at 15 feet high and spans 350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Despite its age, Woodbury Upper is in poor condition and poses a significant hazard potential, as indicated by its last inspection in 2010. The dam is regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.

This dam, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Washington County, serves as a key recreational spot for locals and visitors alike. However, its poor condition and significant hazard potential raise concerns about the safety and integrity of the structure. With a drainage area of 1.91 square miles and a surface area of 7 acres, Woodbury Upper plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Woodbury Upper become even more essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water systems.

As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, it is imperative to keep a close eye on the condition and management of dams like Woodbury Upper. With its outdated infrastructure and poor condition, the dam poses a risk to both the environment and the community. Continued monitoring, maintenance, and potential rehabilitation efforts are needed to mitigate the hazard potential and ensure the long-term safety and functionality of this recreational structure in the heart of Vermont's natural beauty.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

DOG POND BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

1.91

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

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.