Payson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Payson, located in Thetford, Vermont, is a private recreation dam on the Ompompanoosuc River.


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Summary

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.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

OMPOMPANOOSUC RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

90

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.