Bronson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Bronson is a private recreational dam located in West Windsor, Vermont, on Lulls Brook.


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Summary

Built in 1976 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a length of 260 feet, providing a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. The dam, primarily used for recreation, is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Bronson is currently in fair condition according to a 2017 assessment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is surrounded by a surface area of 4 acres within a drainage area of 0.13 square miles. The risk assessment for Bronson is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, but specific risk management measures have not been outlined. The last inspection of the dam took place in 2013, with inspections occurring every 3 years to monitor its condition and safety.

Bronson provides not only a recreational outlet for the community but also serves as an important water resource in the area. It is essential to continue monitoring and maintaining this dam to ensure its structural integrity and the safety of those downstream. The collaboration between the USDA NRCS, state regulators, and local officials is crucial in managing the risk associated with this significant dam.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

LULLS BROOK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.13

Nid Storage

60

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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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.