Lower Pond
Lower Pond is a gravity dam located in Chittenden County, Vermont, built in 1867. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Lower Pond
Lower Pond is a dam in Chittenden, Vermont. The dam is owned by Iroquois Manufacturing Co (private). It impounds the Patrick Brook near Hinesburg.
The dam stands 12 feet tall and stretches 230 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 61 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 246 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1867, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. The most recent inspection on record was 06/13/2024.
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.
Location
| State | Vermont |
| County | Chittenden |
| Nearest City | Hinesburg |
| River/Stream | Patrick Brook |
| Coordinates | 44.34749, -73.09109 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 12 ft |
| Dam Height | 12 ft |
| Dam Length | 230 ft |
| Year Completed | 1867 (159 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 246 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 246 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 184 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 61 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 160 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Other |
| Owner | IROQUOIS MANUFACTURING CO |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 06/13/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VT00059 |
| Federal ID | VT00059 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |