Smugglers Notch Village Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Smugglers Notch Village, also known as Morse Reservoir, is a private earth dam located in Lamoille, Vermont, specifically in the city of Cambridge.
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Summary
Constructed in 1966, this dam serves as a crucial water supply source with a storage capacity of 12 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.3 acres. Despite its vital role, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential.
Managed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Smugglers Notch Village is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a hydraulic height of 30 feet, protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding. However, with its condition assessment indicating a need for improvement, stakeholders are urged to prioritize maintenance and risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats in the future.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smugglers Notch Village provides a fascinating case study of a privately owned dam that plays a critical role in water supply infrastructure. With its location along the Brewster River-TR and a significant hazard potential, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspection, maintenance, and risk assessment to ensure the safety and security of both the dam itself and the surrounding community. As efforts continue to address the dam's poor condition and enhance its resilience, stakeholders are called upon to prioritize proactive measures to safeguard this essential water resource for future generations.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
195 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
BREWSTER RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
2.12 |
Nid Storage |
12 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Smugglers Notch State Park
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Underhill State Park
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Twin Brooks Tenting Area
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Primitive Campsite #21
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Primitive Campsite #22
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Elmore State Park
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Smugglers Notch Village