Wrightsville

NORTH BRANCH WINOOSKI RIVER· Washington, Vermont· Built 1935· Earth· 115 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Recreation Hydroelectric State Government

Key Takeaway

Wrightsville is classified as high hazard in Vermont. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 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 115 ft (taller than 97.5% in VT)
Dam Length1,525 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage36.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area190 acres
Drainage Area68 sq mi
Year Completed1935 (91 years old)
NID IDVT00052

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 27, 2016
State Regulated: No

Ownership

STATE OF VERMONT - DEC

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wrightsville?

Wrightsville 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 Wrightsville?

Wrightsville is owned by STATE OF VERMONT - DEC (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Wrightsville built?

Wrightsville was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Wrightsville?

Wrightsville serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Wrightsville?

Wrightsville has a dam height of 115 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 Wrightsville last inspected?

Wrightsville was last inspected on June 27, 2016. 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.