Baldwin Pond dam
Baldwin Pond
Baldwin Pond, located in Starksboro, Vermont, is a private recreational reservoir primarily used for leisure activities. This serene body of water is nestled in Addison County and is fed by the Lewis Creek-TR stream. The dam, constructed in 1900, is made of concrete and stands at a height of 10 feet, with a length of 93 feet. Although the primary purpose of the reservoir is recreation, its storage capacity of 27 acre-feet serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.
Despite its picturesque setting, Baldwin Pond faces significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam's maintenance and inspection are regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement are implemented to mitigate risks. The last inspection in 2015 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, highlighting the urgent need for rehabilitation to enhance its safety and functionality. Water resource enthusiasts are encouraged to stay updated on the conservation efforts and potential restoration projects for Baldwin Pond to preserve this valuable resource for future generations.
With its historical significance dating back over a century, Baldwin Pond remains a vital part of Vermont's water infrastructure. While the reservoir's current condition raises concerns about its safety and longevity, ongoing efforts by regulatory agencies and stakeholders aim to address these challenges effectively. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the conservation and restoration of Baldwin Pond serve as a testament to the importance of proactive management in safeguarding our natural environment. Join the conversation on sustainable water resource management and support initiatives to ensure the preservation of Baldwin Pond for years to come.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Baldwin Pond -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis Creek At North Ferrisburg | 108 cfs | → |
| Little Otter Creek At Ferrisburg | 45 cfs | → |
| Laplatte River At Shelburne Falls | 53 cfs | → |
| New Haven River At Brooksville Nr Middlebury | 161 cfs | → |
| Mad River Near Moretown | 247 cfs | → |
| Otter Creek At Middlebury | 1,360 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Baldwin Pond.
Boat launches
- Camp Road Monkton
- Lake Iroquois Boat Launch
- Hawkins Road Ferrisburgh
- Pond Access Road Shelburne
- Warren And Ruth Beeken Rivershore Trail Richmond
- Fishing Access Road Charlotte
Campgrounds
- Mt. Philo State Park
- Hump Brook Campsite
- Yestermarrow Camp Ground
- Button Bay State Park
- Sparks Landing Primitive Campsite
- Little River State Park
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Proclamation Boundary To Proclamation Boundary
- Confluence With Alder Creek To Confluence With Middlebury River
- Headwaters To Folsom Brook
- Headwaters To End Of Fs Road 243
- End Of Fs Road 243 To Neshobe River
- Source Above Fr 55 To Proclamation Boundary (Stony Brook)
More reservoirs
Track Baldwin Pond in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Baldwin Pond
Where does the data for Baldwin Pond come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Baldwin Pond.