North Springfield Dam
Key Takeaway
North Springfield Dam is classified as high hazard in Vermont. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 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 | 118 ft (taller than 97.8% in VT) |
| Dam Length | 2,940 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 76.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 158 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 117,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| NID ID | VT00003 |
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
Springfield Reservoir
Windsor, VT
Significant Hazard 49 ftCarey
Windsor, VT
Significant Hazard 26 ftNorth Branch Dam
Windsor, VT
High Hazard 75 ftFellows
Windsor, VT
Low Hazard 10 ftComtu Falls
Windsor, VT
Significant Hazard 4 ftCooks Pond
Windsor, VT
Low Hazard 11 ftMuckross
Windsor, VT
Low Hazard 20 ftCavendish
Windsor, VT
Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of North Springfield Dam?
North Springfield 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 North Springfield Dam?
North Springfield 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 North Springfield Dam built?
North Springfield Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 North Springfield Dam?
North Springfield Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is North Springfield Dam?
North Springfield Dam has a dam height of 118 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 North Springfield Dam last inspected?
North Springfield Dam was last inspected on May 2, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.