Lake Clara

About Lake Clara

The primary purpose of Lake Clara is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Mary Procter (private). It impounds the Lake Sadawga-tr near Whitingham.

The dam stands 33 feet tall and stretches 370 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 325 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1928, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 07/06/2017. That was 8 years ago, which is on the longer end for a high-hazard structure.

At 33 feet, this dam is taller than 78% of dams nationwide.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Vermont dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.