Downers Mill

Ottauquechee River· Windsor, Vermont· Built 1983· Gravity· 14 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Downers Mill is classified as low hazard in Vermont. It was completed in 1983 and is 43 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 29.8% in VT)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage80 acre-ft
Normal Storage80 acre-ft
Surface Area40 acres
Drainage Area205 sq mi
Max Discharge374 cfs
Year Completed1983 (43 years old)
NID IDVT00239

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: September 21, 2018
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Simon Pearce (U.S.), Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Downers Mill?

Downers Mill 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 Downers Mill?

Downers Mill is owned by Simon Pearce (U.S.), Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Downers Mill built?

Downers Mill was completed in 1983, making it 43 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 Downers Mill?

Downers Mill 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 Downers Mill?

Downers Mill has a dam height of 14 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 Downers Mill last inspected?

Downers Mill was last inspected on September 21, 2018. 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.