Caspian Lake

GREENSBORO BROOK· Orleans, Vermont· Built 1929· Earth· 7 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Caspian Lake is classified as significant hazard in Vermont. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 7 ft (taller than 0.8% in VT)
Dam Length205 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area789 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Year Completed1929 (97 years old)
NID IDVT00183

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 27, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEC

Ownership

HARDWICK ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Caspian Lake?

Caspian Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Caspian Lake?

Caspian Lake is owned by HARDWICK ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Caspian Lake built?

Caspian Lake was completed in 1929, making it 97 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 Caspian Lake?

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

How tall is Caspian Lake?

Caspian Lake has a dam height of 7 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 Caspian Lake last inspected?

Caspian Lake was last inspected on June 27, 2017. 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.