The Moore Dam in Waterford, Vermont is a major hydroelectric dam on the Connecticut River that was built in the mid-20th century as part of the region’s push to generate renewable electricity and control river flow in New England.
Early Vision for Hydropower
By the early 1900s, the Connecticut River had already been used for mills and small dams, but the growing demand for electricity across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts led utilities to look for larger hydroelectric projects.
The river’s steep elevation drop through the Upper Connecticut River Valley made it an ideal location for a major power facility.
Construction of the Dam
- Construction began: 1949
- Completed: 1956
- Built by: New England Power Company
- Current owner/operator: Great River Hydro
The project required massive excavation and the creation of a large reservoir upstream.
When the dam was completed, it formed Moore Reservoir, which stretches roughly 15 miles upstream toward Littleton, New Hampshire.
Engineering & Power Generation
Moore Dam was designed as a concrete gravity dam, meaning its own weight holds back the water.
Key features include:
- Height: about 178 feet
- Length: roughly 920 feet
- Generating capacity: approximately 192 megawatts
- Turbines: four hydroelectric generating units
Water from the Connecticut River flows through the turbines, spinning generators that produce electricity for the regional power grid.
Role in the Connecticut River System
Moore Dam is one of several hydroelectric dams along the Connecticut River. It works together with nearby dams such as:
- Comerford Dam
- McIndoes Dam
These dams regulate water levels, generate electricity, and help control flooding along the river.
Impact on the Local Area
The creation of Moore Reservoir changed the landscape of the region:
- Flooded farmland and riverbanks upstream
- Created a long lake used for boating, fishing, and recreation
- Became a scenic part of the Northeast Kingdom and Upper Valley
Today the reservoir is known for salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass fishing.
Moore Dam Today
Today Moore Dam remains one of the largest hydroelectric facilities on the Connecticut River and plays an important role in supplying renewable energy to New England.
It is also part of the federally regulated Connecticut River hydro system under licenses from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
✅ Local NEK connection:
Moore Dam is only about 15 minutes from St. Johnsbury, and many residents fish, boat, or snowmobile around the reservoir in Waterford and Littleton. Moore Dam