Lake John Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Casper Mcintosh Pond
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Lake John, located in Royalton, Vermont, is a local government-owned water supply reservoir with a primary purpose of providing water to the surrounding area.
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Summary
Built in 1900, the earth dam stands at 27 feet in height and has a length of 240 feet, creating a storage capacity of 12 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 1.2 acres and is fed by the White River-TR, with a drainage area of 0.08 square miles.
Despite its historical significance, Lake John is currently assessed as being in poor condition with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in 2017 revealed the need for improvements to ensure its safety and longevity. While the state agency responsible for regulation, inspection, and enforcement (DEC) is actively involved in overseeing the dam, there are no federal agencies involved in the ownership, funding, or management of Lake John.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake John presents both a historical landmark and a current challenge in maintaining infrastructure critical for water supply. As efforts continue to address the dam's poor condition and mitigate potential risks, the reservoir serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive management in safeguarding water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
WHITE RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Nid Storage |
12 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Lake John
Source Above Fr 55 To Proclamation Boundary (Stony Brook)