Somerset
Somerset is an other dam located in Windham County, Vermont, built in 1913. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Somerset
The primary purpose of Somerset 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 Great River Hydro, Llc (private). It impounds the East Branch Deerfield River near Searsburg.
The dam stands 110 feet tall and stretches 2,101 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,514 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 57,345 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 30 square miles. Completed in 1913, the structure is over a century old.
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 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 08/02/2022.
At 110 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Windham |
| Nearest City | Searsburg |
| River/Stream | East Branch Deerfield River |
| Coordinates | 42.97260, -72.94920 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Other |
| NID Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Height | 110 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,101 ft |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 57,345 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 57,345 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 35,517 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,514 acres |
| Drainage Area | 30 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 27,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Great River Hydro, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/02/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | VT00018 |
| Federal ID | VT00018 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |