Ompompanoosuc River facts for kids
The Ompompanoosuc River is a river in eastern Vermont, United States. It is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) long. This river is a tributary of the Connecticut River, which means it flows into the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River then continues its journey all the way to Long Island Sound. Sometimes, people have called this river by other names like "Om-pom-pa-noos-uc" or "Pompanoosuc."
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About the Ompompanoosuc River
Where Does the River Flow?
The Ompompanoosuc River starts in the eastern part of Orange County, in a town called Vershire. From there, it flows mostly south. It travels through the towns of West Fairlee and Thetford. Eventually, it reaches northeastern Windsor County. The river then joins the Connecticut River in a small village called Pompanoosuc, which is part of the town of Norwich.
The Union Village Dam: Stopping Floods
In the town of Thetford, the Ompompanoosuc River has a large dam called the Union Village Dam. This dam was built between 1946 and 1950. It was a big project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Their main goal was to help control floods.
The Union Village Dam is an "earthen dam," which means it's made mostly of earth and rock. It stands about 170 feet (52 meters) high. During the winter, the dam helps create a seasonal lake. This dam is important because it helps protect towns and homes downstream from too much water when there are heavy rains or melting snow.
The West Branch
There is also a part of the river called the West Branch Ompompanoosuc River. This branch flows generally southeast. It goes through the towns of Vershire and Strafford. Finally, the West Branch joins the main Ompompanoosuc River in Thetford.
