Fairfax Falls
Key Takeaway
Fairfax Falls is classified as low hazard in Vermont. It was completed in 1919 and is 107 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 26 ft (taller than 70.2% in VT) |
| Dam Length | 367 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 152 acres |
| Drainage Area | 529 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 66,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1919 (107 years old) |
| NID ID | VT00034 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Green Mountain Power Corporation
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Milton Pond
Chittenden, VT
Low Hazard 10 ftSilver Lake South Dike
Franklin, VT
Low Hazard 22 ftSilver Lake North Dike
Franklin, VT
Low Hazard 10 ftSilver Lake
Franklin, VT
Significant Hazard 35 ftClark Falls
Chittenden, VT
High Hazard 40 ftSt. Albans South Reservoir
Franklin, VT
High Hazard 26 ftMilton
Chittenden, VT
Low Hazard 25 ftSt. Albans North Reservoir
Franklin, VT
High Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fairfax Falls?
Fairfax Falls 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 Fairfax Falls?
Fairfax Falls is owned by Green Mountain Power Corporation (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fairfax Falls built?
Fairfax Falls was completed in 1919, making it 107 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 Fairfax Falls?
Fairfax Falls 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 Fairfax Falls?
Fairfax Falls has a dam height of 26 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 Fairfax Falls last inspected?
Fairfax Falls was last inspected on June 13, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.