Highgate Falls
Highgate Falls is a concrete dam located in Franklin County, Vermont, built in 1918. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Highgate Falls
The primary purpose of Highgate Falls is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Village Of Swanton, Vt (local government). It impounds the Missisquoi River near Swanton.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 658 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 355 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,327 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 820 square miles. Completed in 1918, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/16/2022.
At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Vermont |
| County | Franklin |
| Nearest City | Swanton |
| River/Stream | Missisquoi River |
| Coordinates | 44.93380, -73.04690 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 658 ft |
| Year Completed | 1918 (108 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,327 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,327 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,327 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 355 acres |
| Drainage Area | 820 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 63,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Village of Swanton, VT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/16/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VT00028 |
| Federal ID | VT00028 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |