Payson, located in Thetford, Vermont, is a private recreation dam on the Ompompanoosuc River. Built in 1975 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 15 feet tall and stretches 180 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition and was last inspected in 1980. The state jurisdiction, regulatory agency, permitting, and inspection requirements are all in place, ensuring the safety and compliance of the structure.

The Payson dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 20 acres for leisure activities. While it is currently rated as a moderate risk due to its poor condition, the dam's spillway is uncontrolled, indicating that it may need upgrades to meet modern safety standards. The surrounding area of Orange County, Vermont, benefits from the dam's presence, providing a scenic and recreational spot for locals and visitors alike. With its historical significance and potential for enhancement, the Payson dam presents an opportunity for collaboration between agencies and stakeholders to improve its safety and functionality for the future.