Farnum Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Farnum, located in Bennington, Vermont, is a privately owned recreational earth dam built in 1973 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 24 feet and stretching 488 feet in length, serves the primary purpose of recreation along Farnum Brook. It is regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and undergoes regular inspections and permitting to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations.

The dam has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Farnum is currently assessed to be in fair condition, as of the last inspection in 2016. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with measures in place to manage potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

With its stone core and soil foundation, Farnum represents a harmonious blend of nature and engineering, offering both recreational opportunities and vital water resource management. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will appreciate the careful regulatory oversight and maintenance efforts that go into ensuring the safety and functionality of this unique earth dam, nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Bennington, Vermont.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

488

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

FARNUM BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

0.13

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.