Schwartz Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Schwartz is a privately-owned earth dam located in Morristown, Vermont, along the beautiful Sterling Brook-TR stream.


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Summary

Built in 1989 by Dufresne-Henry, this dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 76 acre-feet, primarily serving recreational purposes. With a fair condition assessment as of August 2016 and a significant hazard potential, Schwartz is state-regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to maintain its structural integrity and public safety.

Despite its modest size with a surface area of 7 acres and a drainage area of 0.48 square miles, Schwartz plays a crucial role in the local water resource management and ecosystem. It is situated within the Lamoille County, Vermont, providing both recreational opportunities while supporting the ecological balance of the surrounding area. The dam has a structural height of 20 feet and a length of 195 feet, making it a notable landmark in the region.

Overall, Schwartz represents a harmonious blend of human engineering and natural beauty, showcasing the importance of proper dam maintenance and regulation for sustainable water resource management in Vermont. Its significance lies not only in its recreational value but also in its contribution to the local ecosystem and water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Schwartz serve as critical components in adapting to and mitigating the effects of a changing climate on our environment.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

195

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

STERLING BROOK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

0.48

Nid Storage

76

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.