Equinox Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Equinox Pond, located in Manchester, Vermont, is a privately owned water resource that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1890, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. The pond covers a surface area of 9 acres and is fed by the Batten Kill River. Despite its historical significance, Equinox Pond is currently rated as having poor condition assessment and poses a significant hazard potential due to its deteriorating state.

The dam, with a length of 450 feet, is regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. However, the last inspection conducted in August 2014 revealed a need for maintenance and improvements to ensure the safety and stability of the structure. The dam's hazard potential combined with its poor condition assessment underscores the importance of timely intervention to prevent any potential risks to the surrounding area and the local community.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Equinox Pond presents a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of historical infrastructure, environmental conservation, and recreational use. As efforts are made to address the dam's maintenance issues and risk potential, there is a chance to showcase sustainable practices in preserving and managing water resources for future generations. The story of Equinox Pond serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in balancing the needs of recreation, infrastructure, and environmental protection within the context of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1890

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

BATTEN KILL-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

0.72

Nid Storage

40

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

10
       
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.