Newbrough Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Newbrough Upper is a privately owned dam located in Washington County, Vermont, specifically in the city of Berlin.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the NRCS, this earth dam is primarily used for recreation, with a height of 23 feet and a length of 370 feet. The dam holds a storage capacity of 28 acre-feet and sits on the Dog River-TR, within the New England District of the USACE.

Despite its recreational purposes, Newbrough Upper has been assessed as being in poor condition with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection conducted in July 2015 revealed the dam's structural deficiencies, prompting a frequent inspection schedule of every 3 years. The state jurisdiction and regulation by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation ensure that the dam meets necessary safety standards, although improvements may be needed to address its current condition.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Newbrough Upper can observe how this dam contributes to the local landscape and recreational activities in the area. With the potential for significant hazard, there is a call for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam for both recreational users and the surrounding environment. The presence of the Dog River adds to the ecological importance of this dam, making it a focal point for water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

DOG RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

28

Structural Height

26

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.