Gillett Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Gillett Pond, located in Chittenden, Vermont, is a private dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and spans a length of 125 feet, with a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet. Situated on Johns Brook, this dam has a surface area of 26 acres and drains an area of 2.3 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2013 reported it as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and possible repairs.

The Vermont dam, under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency DEC, is subject to permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Although the last inspection took place in 2013 with a frequency of 10 years, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment details are not available. With its picturesque location and recreational significance, efforts to improve its condition, update emergency protocols, and mitigate potential risks should be prioritized to preserve Gillett Pond for future generations to enjoy.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gillett Pond serves as a valuable example of a privately owned dam with historical significance and recreational potential. Its maintenance and safety measures are crucial in upholding its functionality and preserving the surrounding ecosystem, making it a focal point for ongoing discussions on dam management and climate resilience in the state of Vermont.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

JOHNS BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Drainage Area

2.3

Nid Storage

150

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

8
       
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.