Billings Pond dam
Billings Pond
Billings Pond, located in Woodstock, Vermont, is a charming recreational site with a rich history dating back to 1890. With a masonry dam standing at 21 feet in height and a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, this picturesque pond spans over 3 acres and is fed by Barnard Brook. Despite its historical significance and primary purpose for recreation, Billings Pond has been assessed as having poor structural conditions, posing a low hazard potential. The dam is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures.
The tranquil waters of Billings Pond offer a peaceful retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of Windsor County, Vermont. The dam's multi-arch design and stone foundation add to the charm of this recreational area, attracting visitors seeking outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. While the pond's condition assessment may raise concerns, the low hazard potential and state-regulated oversight provide assurance of ongoing maintenance and safety improvements. The surrounding area of Woodstock, with its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, further enhances the appeal of Billings Pond as a destination for nature lovers.
As a private-owned water resource, Billings Pond stands as a testament to Vermont's commitment to balancing conservation efforts with recreational opportunities. Despite its aging infrastructure and poor condition assessment, the pond continues to be a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a tranquil haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its historical significance, scenic beauty, and state-regulated oversight, Billings Pond remains a valuable asset for the community, showcasing the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.
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 Billings Pond -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| White River At West Hartford | 2,330 cfs | → |
| Ottauquechee River At North Hartland | 658 cfs | → |
| Connecticut River At West Lebanon | 24,000 cfs | → |
| Ottauquechee River Near West Bridgewater | 79 cfs | → |
| Ompompanoosuc River At Union Village | 16 cfs | → |
| Sugar River At West Claremont | 1,190 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Billings Pond.
Boat launches
- Connecticut River Boat Launch
- Vt 100 Plymouth
- Sanders Road Bethel
- Fishing Access Road Ludlow
- Mascoma Lake Boat Launch
Campgrounds
- Forest Campsite With Stream & Fire Ring
- Quechee State Park
- Silver Lake State Park
- Calvin Coolidge State Park
- Ascutney Mt Stone Hut
- Velvet Rocks Shelter
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Headwaters To Woodstock, Vt
- Source Above Fr 55 To Proclamation Boundary (Stony Brook)
- Headwaters To Crossing Of Route 100 Near Route 155
- Confluence With Otter Creek To Ten Kilns Brook
- South Wallington To Emerald Lake
- End Of Fs Road 243 To Neshobe River
More reservoirs
Track Billings 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 Billings Pond
Where does the data for Billings 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 Low 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 Billings Pond.