Ball Mountain Dam
Key Takeaway
Ball Mountain Dam is classified as high hazard in Vermont. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 247 ft (taller than 99.7% in VT) |
| Dam Length | 915 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 54.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 800 acres |
| Drainage Area | 172 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 150,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | VT00001 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USACE - New England District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Burbee Pond
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Low Hazard 13 ftLowell Lake
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High Hazard 16 ftGale Meadows
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Significant Hazard 30 ftHamm Mine
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Low Hazard 10 ftTownshend Dam
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High Hazard 126 ftWilliams
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Low Hazard 20 ftGale Meadows Dike
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Low Hazard 7 ftStrattonwald
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Significant Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ball Mountain Dam?
Ball Mountain Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Ball Mountain Dam?
Ball Mountain Dam is owned by USACE - New England District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ball Mountain Dam built?
Ball Mountain Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Ball Mountain Dam?
Ball Mountain Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ball Mountain Dam?
Ball Mountain Dam has a dam height of 247 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Ball Mountain Dam last inspected?
Ball Mountain Dam was last inspected on July 10, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.