Caspian Lake

Caspian Lake is an earth dam located in Orleans County, Vermont, built in 1929. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.

About Caspian Lake

The primary purpose of Caspian Lake 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 Hardwick Electric Department (local government). It impounds the Greensboro Brook near Greensboro.

The dam stands 7 feet tall and stretches 205 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 789 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 7 square miles. Completed in 1929, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/27/2017.

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Significant HazardPoor ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateVermont
CountyOrleans
Nearest CityGreensboro
River/StreamGreensboro Brook
Coordinates44.57703, -72.29816

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height7 ft
Dam Height7 ft
Dam Length205 ft
Year Completed1929 (97 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage4,300 acre-ft
Max Storage4,300 acre-ft
Surface Area789 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
OwnerHARDWICK ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentPoor
Last Inspection06/27/2017
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDVT00183
Federal IDVT00183
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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