Harriman
Harriman is an other dam located in Windham County, Vermont, built in 1924. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Harriman
The primary purpose of Harriman 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 Deerfield River near Readsboro.
The dam stands 186 feet tall and stretches 1,250 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,875 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 116,075 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 184 square miles. Completed in 1924, 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 186 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | Readsboro |
| River/Stream | Deerfield River |
| Coordinates | 42.79330, -72.91460 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Other |
| NID Height | 186 ft |
| Dam Height | 186 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,250 ft |
| Year Completed | 1924 (102 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 116,075 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 116,075 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 103,375 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,875 acres |
| Drainage Area | 184 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 35,200 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 | VT00025 |
| Federal ID | VT00025 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |