Sheldon Springs

Missisquoi River· Franklin, Vermont· Built 1908· Buttress· 38 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Sheldon Springs is classified as low hazard in Vermont. It was completed in 1908 and is 118 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 38 ft (taller than 86.6% in VT)
Dam Length283 ft
Dam TypeButtress
Max Storage750 acre-ft
Normal Storage750 acre-ft
Surface Area175 acres
Drainage Area794 sq mi
Max Discharge3,822 cfs
Year Completed1908 (118 years old)
NID IDVT00151

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: May 15, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Missisquoi, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sheldon Springs?

Sheldon Springs 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 Sheldon Springs?

Sheldon Springs is owned by Missisquoi, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sheldon Springs built?

Sheldon Springs was completed in 1908, making it 118 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 Sheldon Springs?

Sheldon Springs 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 Sheldon Springs?

Sheldon Springs has a dam height of 38 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 Sheldon Springs last inspected?

Sheldon Springs was last inspected on May 15, 2019. 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.