Upper Chester Reservoir

WILLIAMS RIVER-TR· Windsor, Vermont· Built 1915· Earth· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Chester Reservoir is classified as significant hazard in Vermont. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 52.6% in VT)
Dam Length220 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage46 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1915 (111 years old)
NID IDVT00300

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: No
Last Inspection: August 6, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEC

Ownership

TOWN OF CHESTER

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Chester Reservoir?

Upper Chester Reservoir 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 Upper Chester Reservoir?

Upper Chester Reservoir is owned by TOWN OF CHESTER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Chester Reservoir built?

Upper Chester Reservoir was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Upper Chester Reservoir?

Upper Chester Reservoir serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Upper Chester Reservoir?

Upper Chester Reservoir has a dam height of 20 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 Upper Chester Reservoir last inspected?

Upper Chester Reservoir was last inspected on August 6, 2015. 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.