Bethel Mills

Third Branch White River· Windsor, Vermont· Built 1940· Concrete· 17 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Bethel Mills is classified as low hazard in Vermont. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 41.8% in VT)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage50 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area136 sq mi
Max Discharge1,485 cfs
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDVT00190

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 27, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Bethel Mills Electric, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bethel Mills?

Bethel Mills is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bethel Mills?

Bethel Mills is owned by Bethel Mills Electric, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bethel Mills built?

Bethel Mills was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Bethel Mills?

Bethel Mills serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bethel Mills?

Bethel Mills has a dam height of 17 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 Bethel Mills last inspected?

Bethel Mills was last inspected on July 27, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.