McIndoes Reservoir

McIndoes Reservoir. It is an impoundment of the Connecticut River, located primarily in Vermont with portions extending into New Hampshire. The reservoir was created by the construction of the McIndoes Dam, a hydroelectric facility operated by Great River Hydro. It forms part of a series of run-of-the-river projects along the upper Connecticut River, serving regional power needs and providing recreational opportunities.

History

The development of the reservoir is tied to the early 20th-century expansion of hydroelectric power in New England. The McIndoes Dam was constructed in the 1930s by the New England Power Company, a predecessor to later utility entities like Great River Hydro. This period saw significant infrastructure projects across the United States, often facilitated by entities like the Federal Power Commission. The creation of the reservoir altered the local landscape, submerging historical features and transforming the hydrology of this section of the Connecticut River Valley. The nearby community of McIndoe Falls, Vermont, which shares its name with the dam, predates the reservoir and was historically connected to early industrial activities in the region.

Geography and Hydrology

McIndoes Reservoir is situated along the state line between Vermont and New Hampshire, within the broader Connecticut River watershed. The reservoir is a relatively long and narrow impoundment, characteristic of run-of-the-river projects on major rivers. Its primary inflow and outflow is the Connecticut River, which drains a vast basin extending to the White Mountains and Green Mountains. The surrounding topography consists of rolling hills and forested areas, with the reservoir's surface elevation managed closely in relation to operations at the McIndoes Dam. Upstream, the river flows from the Moore Dam and Comerford Dam projects, while downstream it continues toward the Wilder Dam and Bellows Falls Dam.

Recreation and Access

The reservoir supports various recreational activities, primarily boating, fishing, and birdwatching. Public access is provided at several points, including a boat launch managed by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. The area is known for sport fishing, with species such as smallmouth bass, northern pike, and various panfish present. The surrounding lands, a mix of private property and conserved areas, offer limited shoreline access for hiking and wildlife observation. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail utilizes this section of the Connecticut River, paddlers often passing through the reservoir. Events like local fishing derbies are occasionally held, drawing participants from towns in both Vermont and New Hampshire.

Environmental Aspects

As a managed impoundment, the reservoir influences local ecosystems and water quality. Operations at the McIndoes Dam can cause daily fluctuations in water levels, affecting shoreline habitat and aquatic life. The facility includes provisions for fish passage, intended to support migratory species like American shad and sea lamprey as part of broader restoration efforts on the Connecticut River. Water quality monitoring is conducted by agencies such as the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. The reservoir area provides habitat for wildlife including bald eagles, osprey, and various waterfowl, with some adjacent wetlands recognized for their ecological value.

Infrastructure and Operations

The key infrastructure is the concrete McIndoes Dam, which houses a power station with generating units operated by Great River Hydro. The dam is classified as a low-head dam and functions as part of a coordinated hydroelectric system on the Connecticut River, which includes the Moore Dam, Comerford Dam, and Wilder Dam. Operations are remotely monitored and adjusted based on river flow, power grid demands from ISO New England, and environmental requirements. The dam's design includes spillway gates and a navigational bypass for canoes and kayaks. Maintenance and upgrades to the facility are performed under oversight from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which licenses the project.

Category:Reservoirs in Vermont Category:Reservoirs in New Hampshire Category:Connecticut River