Wantastiquet Lake dam
Wantastiquet Lake
Wantastiquet Lake in Weston, Vermont is a picturesque water resource that offers a haven for water and climate enthusiasts seeking recreational activities. Built in 1880, this serene lake boasts a masonry dam structure with a height of 22 feet and a storage capacity of 530 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 45 acres and is fed by the West River-TR, providing a tranquil setting for fishing, boating, and other outdoor pursuits.
Managed by private owners, Wantastiquet Lake is regulated by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, ensuring that the dam meets safety standards and undergoes regular inspections. Despite being classified as a high hazard potential structure, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition, with a last inspection date recorded in July 2017. While there are no associated locks or spillways, the lake's recreational purpose and historic significance make it a valuable natural asset in Windsor County, Vermont.
Water resource enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance and environmental importance of Wantastiquet Lake, which not only provides a source of recreation but also serves as a vital habitat for wildlife in the region. With its unique blend of scenic beauty and functional infrastructure, the lake represents a harmonious balance between human enjoyment and natural conservation efforts. Whether exploring the shores for birdwatching or simply enjoying a peaceful day on the water, Wantastiquet Lake offers a truly immersive experience for those passionate about water resources and climate conservation.
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 Wantastiquet Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| West River At Jamaica | 218 cfs | → |
| Black River At North Springfield | 209 cfs | → |
| West River Below Townshend Dam Near Townshend | 46 cfs | → |
| Williams River Near Rockingham Vt | 130 cfs | → |
| Saxtons River At Saxtons River | 19 cfs | → |
| Mettawee River Near Pawlet | 215 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Wantastiquet Lake.
Boat launches
- Ice House Road Londonderry
- Gale Meadow Road Londonderry
- Winhall Station Road Londonderry
- Fishing Access Road Ludlow
- Vt 100 Plymouth
- Town Shed Road Manchester
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Headwaters To Crossing Of Route 100 Near Route 155
- Confluence With Otter Creek To Ten Kilns Brook
- South Wallington To Emerald Lake
- End Of Kendall Farm Road To Confluence With West River
- Headwaters To End Of Kendall Farm Road
- Arlington, Vt To Manchester, Vt
More reservoirs
Track Wantastiquet Lake 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 Wantastiquet Lake
Where does the data for Wantastiquet Lake 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 High 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 Wantastiquet Lake.