Gale Meadows Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Gale Meadows Dike, located in Winhall, Vermont, is a state-owned earth dam designed by HALEY & WARD, primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this dam on Eddy Brook-TR serves to store water with a capacity of 2942 acre-feet and has a structural height of 8 feet. With a length of 150 feet and a surface area of 204 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the local water resources and providing recreational opportunities for the community.

Despite its low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Gale Meadows Dike is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in August 2006. The dam is regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which oversees permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities. While the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years, its emergency action plan (EAP) status, inundation maps, and risk assessment details are not available, raising concerns about the preparedness for potential emergencies or adverse events.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor the condition and management of structures like Gale Meadows Dike to ensure their safety and efficacy in the face of changing environmental conditions. Collaborative efforts between state agencies, designers, and stakeholders are essential to address the poor condition assessment and lack of comprehensive emergency preparedness measures for this vital piece of infrastructure in Bennington County, Vermont. By staying informed and advocating for proactive risk management strategies, we can help safeguard our water resources and communities for future generations.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

EDDY BROOK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

204

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

9.98

Nid Storage

2942

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

8
       
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.