Town of Stowe, Vermont
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 2016 – 2021
Technical Assistance Provided by: Lamoille County Planning Commission FEMA Approval Pending Adoption ______FEMA Formal Approval ______Selectboard Adopted ______Plan Expires ______
Town of Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 2016 – 2021
1. Introduction 2 1.1 Purpose 2 1.2 Planning Process 3 1.3 FEMA Review and Plan Adoption 7 1.4 Plan Maintenance Process and Methods for Evaluating the Plan 7 2. Community Background 9 2.1 Previous Natural Disasters 11 3. Stowe Hazard Inventory / Risk Assessment 13 3.1 Stowe HI/RA Matrix 13 3.2 Community Vulnerability Analysis by Hazard 15 3.3 Significant Hazards 16 3.4 Moderate Hazards 25 3.5 Other Hazards 30 3.6 Climate Change Considerations 32 3.7 Secondary Effects of Significant Hazards 33 4. Mitigation Goals 34 4.1 Town of Stowe Hazard Mitigation Goals 34 4.2 Planning and Development Guidelines Supporting Hazard Mitigation 34 5. Mitigation Strategies 35 5.1 Completion of Past Mitigation Actions and Changes in Mitigation Strategies/Priorities 35 5.2 Existing Hazard Mitigation Programs, Projects and Activities 36 5.3 Identified Hazard Mitigation Programs, Projects and Activities 39 5.4 Priority Hazard Mitigation Actions 41 6. Appendices 42 6.1 Appendix A. Stowe Action Evaluation and Prioritization Matrix 6.2 Appendix B. Mitigation Projects Town Prioritization 6.3 Appendix C. Additional Tables 6.4 Appendix D: Resolution for Plan Adoption 6.5 Appendix E: Supporting Hazard Mitigation Maps
1 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 1. Introduction
This planning document is designed to serve as a single jurisdiction comprehensive Local Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Town of Stowe, Vermont to provide guidance in addressing the impacts of local hazards. The plan has been reviewed, amended and updated in its entirety to reflect changes in development, progress in local mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities since the adoption of the original plan in 2006.
The impact of expected, but unpredictable, natural and human-caused events can be reduced through community planning. The goal of this plan is to provide all-hazards local mitigation strategies that make Stowe more disaster resistant.
Hazard mitigation is defined as any sustained action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to lives and property, resulting from the effects of natural and human-caused hazards. Based on the results of previous FEMA Project Impact efforts, FEMA, state, regional and local agencies have come to recognize that it is less expensive to prevent disasters, than to repeatedly repair damage after a disaster has struck. This plan recognizes that communities have opportunities to identify mitigation strategies and measures during each phase of Emergency Management– Preparedness, Response, Recovery and Mitigation. Hazards cannot be eliminated, but it is possible to identify existing local hazards, where they are most severe, and what local actions can be taken to reduce the severity of incidents.
Hazard mitigation strategies and measures alter the hazard by eliminating or reducing the probability of occurrence, avert the hazard by redirecting the impact by means of a structure or land treatment, adapt to the hazard by modifying structures or standards, or avoid the hazard by prohibiting or limiting development and could include projects such as:
Flood-proofing structures; Tying down propane/fuel tanks in flood-prone areas; Elevating furnaces and water heaters ; Identifying and modifying high traffic incident locations and routes; Ensuring adequate water supply; Elevating structures or utilities above flood levels; Identifying and upgrading undersized culverts; Proactive land use planning for floodplains and other flood-prone or erosion-prone areas; Proper road maintenance and construction; Ensuring critical facilities are safely located; Buyout and relocation of structures in harm’s way; Establishing and enforcing appropriate building codes; Dissemination of public information.
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is to assist the Town of Stowe to identify all hazards facing the community and develop strategies to begin reducing risks from these identified hazards. 2 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 1.2 Planning Process
Stowe’s LHMP was originally developed as an annex to the Lamoille County Regional All- Hazards Mitigation Plan in 2005. Since the adoption of this plan in 2006, staff from the Lamoille County Planning Commission (LCPC) and the town remained involved in the plan maintenance process through communication and support in the regular Local Emergency Planning Committee 11 (LEPC) meetings, participation in emergency response trainings and exercises, and actual hazard/disaster response and post event evaluation(s).
In 2009, LCPC conducted a formal review of the Stowe LHMP and coordinated with the Stowe Emergency Management Director (EMD) to discuss the plan, assess changes in development trends, update progress in local mitigation efforts, and adjust mitigation priorities accordingly. Pre-Disaster Mitigation meetings were focused on gathering community information and generating an inventory of the Town’s vulnerability to hazards and its current and future hazard mitigation programs, projects and activities.
In 2010, Stowe’s EMD and Town Manager worked with LCPC to update the plan, including: the addition of mitigation goals and strategies from the updated Town Plan; evaluating progress made on goals and strategies in the previous local hazard mitigation plan; as well as updates to the town’s recent hazard history. In the wake of unprecedented flooding that impacted Vermont in the spring and late-summer of 2011, Stowe again reviewed and updated its hazard mitigation plan, while working closely with the State Hazard Mitigation Officer and FEMA Region 1. The Annex was revised and updated in 2012 with FEMA approval received in 2014.
In December of 2011, the Lamoille County Planning Commission reached out to Lamoille towns to solicit interest in developing single jurisdiction Local Hazard Mitigation Plans. LCPC worked with the Northwest Regional Planning Commission as a sub-recipient grantee to develop a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant application to assist towns in transitioning to single jurisdiction plans. The Town of Stowe expressed an interest and was included in the application. In fiscal year 2012, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security awarded the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant. During 2013, LCPC staff assisted the Town of Stowe in transitioning their current plan to a stand-alone Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Significant data updates took place at this time. Since fall 2011, revised drafts of the Stowe LHMP have remained posted on the LCPC website to invite public comment. Copies of the LHMP were made available to interested residents at LCPC’s offices in Morrisville and in the Stowe Town Clerk’s office.
Stakeholders potentially impacted by the single jurisdiction Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan include, but are not limited to the following:
Stowe Fire Department Chief Stowe Police Chief Stowe EMS Provider Stowe Mountain Rescue Chief Stowe Public Works Director Stowe Emergency Management Director Stowe Town Manager Stowe Planning Director Stowe Selectborad Chair Stowe Road Foreman/Superintendent 3 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Stowe Electric Department Morrisville Water and Light Department Vermont Electric Cooperative Stowe Mountain Resort Emergency Response Team Smugglers’ Notch Resort Public Safety Department Neighboring Selectboard chairs, Morristown, Elmore, Worcester, Waterbury, Bolton, Underhill, Cambridge, Middlesex Neighboring Emergency Management Directors, Cambridge, Elmore, Morristown, Bolton, Underhill, Waterbury, Worcester, Middlesex Neighboring Road Foremen/Road Commissioners
On October 16, 2014 Stowe Town officials, including the Director of Planning, Public Works Director, and Emergency Management Director, met with LCPC staff to review recent updates to the plan, address how mitigation priorities have changed since the last plan update, and revise mitigation strategies to include a more comprehensive priority list of mitigation action items. To allow for additional opportunities for public comments, the meeting agenda was posted in the Stowe Town Clerk’s office, on the municipal website, and in LCPC’s office in Morrisville.
Additional public comment opportunities were provided during and proceeding the November 24, 2014 Stowe Selectboard Meeting. The November, 2014 Selectboard Meeting was well attended by Selectboard members, representatives from the Public Works Department, the Stowe Planning Commission and Conservation Commission, and interested community members. The agenda for the meeting noticing the review of the single jurisdiction, Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan was posted at the Stowe Town Clerk’s Office, the Stowe municipal website and LCPC’s website. Stowe officials and community members were encouraged to provide feedback on the drafted Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan at the Selectboard Meeting, and proceeding the meeting by submitting comments via email to LCPC staff working with Stowe Town officials to develop the single jurisdiction plan. The latest draft of the plan remained posted on LCPC’s website to continue to solicit public input after the November, 2014 Selectboard Meeting. Additional public input was received from Selectboard members, the Town Manager, and the Emergency Management Director.
Feedback received from the general public, local officials, and emergency management officers was incorporated into the plan at all stages. Gathering oral histories, prioritizing hazards and mitigation strategies, and discussing where the public’s needs are most relevant was used to form this plan. Without that input and support the plan would be lacking a crucial element and motivation for mitigation. Additional opportunities for public comment from both Stowe residents and neighboring community members was provided at Stowe Selectboard Meetings, and reviewing the revised plan on LCPC’s website (www.lcpcvt.org) or in hard copy format at the Stowe Town Clerk’s Office. In winter of 2015, after plan revisions were made to accommodate local and regional input, LCPC staff forwarded the Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan to Emergency Planner, Shaun Coleman, with the Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC). As the lead RPC Emergency Planner for the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant funding the development of this plan, Shaun reviewed the plan and provided feedback. LCPC staff assisted the Town of Stowe in addressing NRPC feedback prior to submitting the single jurisdiction plan to FEMA for review.
To maintain Stowe’s status of having an approved and adopted Local Hazard Mitigation Plan while the single jurisdiction plan was under FEMA Review, LCPC staff assisted the Town of Stowe in updating the Town’s Local Annex (Annex 8: Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan) to the Lamoille County Multi- 4 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan. Annex 8 was updated simultaneously during 2014 as part of an update to the Lamoille County Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan. Town and neighboring input gathered from the development of the single jurisdiction plan, prior to the Local Annex adoption, was incorporated into the 2015 Stowe Annex update. Annex 8 was reviewed and adopted by the Stowe Selectboard on January 26, 2015. The 2015 Lamoille County Multi-Jurisdictional All-Hazards Mitigation Plan including the Stowe Local Annex 8 was approved by FEMA on April 15, 2015. The Stowe Annex is scheduled to expire in October, 2017.
In addition to public input, information was utilized from the following sources to develop the single jurisdiction 2016 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan: State of Vermont Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2013 Lamoille County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazard Mitigation Plan (2011), and Stowe Annex (2014) Stowe Town Plan, 2009, 2015 2012 Stowe Zoning and Subdivision Regulations Stowe Mountain Resort Emergency Action Plan, 2014 Stowe Mountain Lodge Emergency Manual, 2014 Lake Mansfield Dam Emergency Action Plan, 2014 Stowe-Morristown Mutual Aid Agreement Stowe Local Emergency Operations Plan, 2014, 2015 Emergency Response Guidebook National Flood Insurance Program Stowe Flood Insurance Rate Maps American Community Survey 2005- 2010, 2009-2013 U.S. Census, 2010 Emergency Action Plan: Upper Golf Course Reservoir Dam, 2014 Annex #8, the Town of Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015
Additional hazard mitigation planning activities that took place prior to the submission of the single jurisdiction Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan include the 2015 Stowe Town Plan update. After November, 2014 the Stowe Planning Director assisted the Town in updating the Town Plan including adding a Flood Resiliency Chapter. Goals, policies, and tasks incorporated into the Flood Resiliency Chapter were reinforced by the planning process and development of the single jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Flood Resiliency Chapter references the Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and highlights similar flood mitigation goals, planning activities, and action items. The Town of Stowe began their public hearing process to adopt the revised Town Plan with a Planning Commission hearing on February 18, 2015, followed by Selectboard hearings. The updated Stowe Town Plan including the Flood Resiliency Chapter was adopted on June 8, 2015.
Neighboring Communities and State Agencies’ Involvement in Mitigation Planning
An initial Hazard Mitigation Plan kick-off meeting was held to gather public input from Lamoille County towns into this hazard mitigation plan. The initial kick-off meeting was held on December 10, 2013 at the Hyde Park Municipal Office to explain the planning process and collect stories on the history of hazards in the community and neighboring towns. Meeting notices were mailed to Selectboard members, Village Trustee members, Planning Commission, Town Administrators, Road Foremen, School District officials, Emergency Management Directors, town clerks, etc. An email notice was also provided to the Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) and other individuals who had expressed interest or have 5 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 a vested interest in the project. Representatives from state agencies including the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), and the Agency of Transportation (VTrans) were invited to attend the All Hazard Mitigation Plan kick-off meeting.
The meeting was well attended by town officials across the County including Planning Commission members, Selectboard members, Emergency Management Directors, School Board representatives, Development Review Board members, and local emergency responders. Town officials present represented the towns of Stowe, Cambridge, Wolcott, Hyde Park, Johnson, and Waterville. Representatives present from state agencies included Staci Pomeroy with the Department of Environmental Conservation, Diane Perley with Vermont Agency of Transportation, District 8, and Kate Hammond with the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Guest speaker Kate Hammond, DEMHS Hazard Mitigation Planner, presented on the importance of adopting and maintaining a local Hazard Mitigation Plan and discussed key elements to consider when drafting or revising Mitigation Plans. This meeting provided an opportunity for communities to gain a greater understanding of the benefits of having a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and discuss natural and man- made hazards communities within the County are currently facing.
Additional opportunities for neighboring public comments as mentioned above have been provided throughout the plan update process including announcements in local newspapers, posting draft updates on LCPC’s website, and announcing requests for public comments in Town Clerk Offices throughout Lamoille County. Additionally, regularly scheduled LEPC #11 meetings and regional workshops co-hosted by LCPC and the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security remain an avenue for public regional comments and discussions concerning local hazard mitigation planning efforts. Information on identified community hazards and key elements to include in a Hazard Mitigation Plan as discussed at the Kick-off meeting and LEPC meetings, were incorporated into the single jurisdiction Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan during the drafting stages of plan content and supporting hazard mitigation maps.
Throughout the development of the Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Town continued to work closely with state agencies including ANR and DEMHS in identifying funding solutions and best practices for priority mitigation projects. Over a two year period (2014-2016), Stowe Town officials participated in a series of meetings with ANR regarding the West Branch Restoration Project. DEMHS officials and Lamoille County Planning Commission staff were initially consulted regarding this priority mitigation project and identifying creative funding solutions. To fund the project and identify appropriate mitigation practices, the Town of Stowe worked closely with representatives from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources including Staci Pomeroy, DEC River Scientist, and Mike LaPointe with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). NRCS representatives assisted the Town of Stowe in working with local farmers whose property was impacted by repetitive flooding and fluvial erosion near the Stowe Recreation Path.
Phase I of the West Branch Restoration Project, which was completed in 2015, included the armoring of 1,050 linear feet of shoreline to protect working agricultural land from further erosion and to protect a federally-funded manure pit. Phase I was funded with a $500,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture, with matching funds of $75,000 provided by the Town of Stowe. The project also included the creation of a new flood plain bench and extensive riparian planting.
The purpose of Phase II, completed in 2016, was to relocate approximately 1,100 feet of the Stowe 6 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Recreation Path outside the Fluvial Erosion Hazard area. The project also consisted of removing some of the built-up sediment in the West Branch River and creating 2 new flood plain benches. By moving the Stowe Recreation Path, creating new flood plain and installing riparian planting, the Town hopes to return this section of the West Branch to a more natural, stable condition, reducing erosion and improving overall water quality. The project will have the added advantage of decreasing the amount of maintenance that the Town would have to perform on the Stowe Recreation Path, by no longer needing to protect it in this reach of the river. Phase II was funded with a $400,000 Vermont Ecosystem Restoration Grant and a $150,000 local match provided by the Town of Stowe.
1.3 FEMA Review and Plan Adoption
The 2015 single jurisdiction Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan was submitted to FEMA for review on June 13, 2015. Notice of FEMA Review comments were received on February 29, 2016. Lamoille County Planning Commission staff contacted key Stowe town officials (Planning Director, Public Works Director, Emergency Management Director, and Town Manager) in spring of 2016 regarding FEMA review comments. On July 6, 2016 LCPC staff met with the Stowe Planning Director and Public Works Director to discuss further revisions and town input for the Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Additional input received from Stowe town officials was incorporated into plan revisions summer of 2016. During the process of revising the plan, LCPC staff consulted with the State Hazard Mitigation Planner, Stephanie Smith, and State Mitigation Officer, Lauren Oates, with the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS). DEMHS representatives provided additional guidance and interpretation of FEMA review comments to help guide plan revisions. The Stowe Selectboard met on August 22, 2016 to review and adopt the revised 2016 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (See Appendix D for Adoption Resolution).
1.4 Plan Maintenance Process and Methods for Evaluating the Plan a) Monitoring, Evaluating, and Updating the Plan
The Town of Stowe LHMP should be evaluated and updated regularly by the Stowe Department of Planning and Stowe Selectboard with technical assistance from LCPC staff. Any significant disaster event will prompt a review of this plan between Stowe town officials, emergency services providers, and LCPC. At the very minimum, the plan will be amended as required within five years from the date of FEMA approval.
In 2012, 2014, and 2016 this plan was revised to incorporate changes in demographics, land use, and mitigation priorities. Municipal officials identified mitigation actions and strategies targeting the most frequent, extensive, and costly hazards. The plan reflects the Town’s priorities as of the date it was revised and sent to FEMA for review. FEMA’s failure to review plans within its 45-day time limit does not obligate the Town to re-visit the plan for an update of mitigation actions.
The LEPC will also perform a mid-cycle review of local hazard mitigation plans for Lamoille County municipalities within three years of adoption. This review will determine the effectiveness of the regional and municipal programs and reflect changes in land development, completed goals, or programs that affect mitigation priorities. Ultimately, the long-term success of this and other Local Hazard Mitigation Plans is dependent on the availability of funding to implement mitigation priorities. b) Incorporation into Existing Planning Mechanisms 7 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016
During the update and re-adoption processes for the Town Plan, bylaws, and/or regulations, the Town and LCPC will provide guidance and recommendations to the Stowe Planning Commission and Stowe Selectboard for the incorporation and integration of state, regional and local hazard mitigation goals and strategies into the specific programs and practices described in these other planning mechanisms.
Opportunities for Stowe to incorporate this Plan’s hazard mitigation strategies into their own planning mechanisms include the following: Stowe Town Plan Stowe’s Capital Budget Stowe Police, Fire Department, and EMS budgets and annual work programs Town of Stowe Zoning, Subdivision, and Flood Hazard regulations Transportation improvement programs Local and regional mutual aid agreements Stowe Land Trust easements and acquisitions Stowe Land Trust works closely with the Stowe Planning Commission to prioritize land for conservation and open space, including easements for To effectively incorporate mitigation strategies into floodplains. these existing planning mechanisms, it is important to demonstrate how these approaches maximize benefit to the entire community. This can be achieved through the utilization of a cost-benefit analysis, which quantifies the benefits of mitigation against anticipated losses. Such an analysis is an integral part of prioritizing potential mitigation strategies and actions, and is also a requirement for submitting future FEMA mitigation grant applications. c) Continued Public Involvement
There are three principal avenues for broad public comment that include: Community involvement through the local and regional planning process relating to updating existing planning mechanisms Participation at the regular LEPC meetings (LEPC meetings are typically attended by a variety of parties: first responders, municipal officials, non-profit health care agencies, disaster assistance groups, communications industry officials and Tier II HAZMAT operators) Public posting of the Plan, including Stowe’s website, the LCPC website, at the Town Office, and through social media, such as Front Porch Forum, an online community message system.
The general public will be notified of review and update efforts over the next five years through press releases to local newspapers, Selectboard meetings, announcements by local radio stations, updates to the LCPC website. Additionally, LCPC will reach out to other regional stakeholders, including the Lamoille Mutual Aid Association and Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department, to ensure mitigation planning efforts align with the county’s public safety interests. d) Methods for Evaluating the Plan
The 2013 Vermont Hazard Mitigation Plan references several methods for evaluating the performance
8 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 of Hazard Mitigation Plans. These methods should be considered while conducting regularly scheduled updates to the Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Methods for plan performance evaluation that can be used include, but are not limited to the following: 1) Reviewing the LHMP annually to determine progress made on mitigation goals 2) Review annual status reports from town departments, boards, and commissions on how they are achieving goals and objectives 3) Review whether hazard mitigation goals and objectives still address current conditions 4) Identify obstacles in achieving goals and objectives 5) Review progress in implementation of plan initiatives and projects 6) Consider the effectiveness of previously implemented initiatives and projects 7) Evaluate hazard-related public policies, initiatives and projects 8) Review and discuss the effectiveness of public and private sector coordination and cooperation in emergency response, preparedness and hazard mitigation
2. Community Background
Stowe is the southern-most town in Lamoille County covering 72.8 Square miles– the largest land area of any town in Vermont. Stowe abuts the towns of Waterbury and Bolton to the south, and Worcester to the southeast. The Lamoille County towns of Morristown and Cambridge lie to the north and the Chittenden County town of Underhill borders the west part of town. Stowe is located 35 miles from Burlington and 24 miles from Montpelier.
Stowe is a growing slope side community settled between Vermont’s tallest mountain, Mount Mansfield (4,393 ft.) to the west, and the Worcester Range to the East. Several streams drain from Mount Mansfield and the other surrounding mountains into the Little River, the main river that runs through the village along VT Route 100. Many of Stowe’s waterways originate in town which provides unique opportunities to maintain water quality for the region. One of the largest streams, the West Branch, forms a broad valley that houses the heart of Stowe’s resort industry. Development is focused in the valleys that the Little River and its tributaries form.
The climate in Stowe is fairly average for Vermont. Winters are cold and dry, while summers are warm and humid. Stowe, being situated to the east of Vermont’s tallest mountain, experiences slightly lower average winter temperatures and higher rates of precipitation than other parts of the state. Annual precipitation in rainfall is nearly 40 inches a year (approximately 114 inches of snow). Frequent thaws prevent a consistent snow cover for skiing. Man-made snow is often used to keep ski trails open.
Much of Stowe’s soil is glacial till. There are an estimated 2,670 acres of prime agricultural soil and 7,450 acres of statewide agricultural soil identified in the town. Most of this soil is found in river valleys. Much of Stowe is comprised of steep slopes and exposed ridgeline. Over half the town has an average slope of 15% or greater. Development in these steep areas is carefully planned to preserve water quality and limit high rates of runoff.
The two state highways in town are VT Route 100 and Route 108. VT Route 100 is the region’s primary north-south travel corridor, carrying anywhere from 9,400 vehicles between Stowe and Waterbury to 15,600 vehicles in some areas of Route 100 near the interstate. In Stowe village, daily traffic loads average about 10,700 vehicles. Heading northwest out of Stowe village towards Smugglers’ Notch is VT Route 108. In the winter it is closed to through traffic due to steep grades and sharp corners in the
9 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Notch.
Stowe is predominantly a rural, residential community, but has significantly more commercial development than other comparably sized towns, due to the high volume of tourists and seasonal homeowners the town attracts. Commercial development continues to grow in the Town of Stowe in response to the tourist and ski industry. The Town is experiencing expansion of lodging facilities such as increasing accommodations at Spruce Peak along Route 108. In June 2014, Stowe Mountain Resort began construction of family amenities and services at Spruce Peak. Amenities will include a new state- of-the-art children’s Adventure Center with ski / ride school, year-round daycare facilities, a children’s activities center, and a new Stowe Mountain Club Alpine Clubhouse.
The main town center is located around the intersection of Routes 100 and 108; development is primarily concentrated along these two state highways. According to the 2010 Census, Stowe’s population was 4,314, a slight decrease from 4,339 in 2000. The number of housing units in town is 3,526, with 1,388 total units identified as vacant seasonal, recreational, or occasional use homes. The majority of housing units in the town are single unit detached (65%). Mobile homes account for approximately 3% of household units.
During the plan update process, it was also noted that no substantial changes in development patterns have occurred in Stowe that would affect vulnerability or mitigation measures. Accordingly, the mitigation strategy approach remains appropriate and focused on the issues of greatest concern to the town. Anecdotally, the economic recession of the late-2000s and ongoing volatility of the national housing market have depressed new construction for much of the last five years– which may, in part, explain the unanticipated population decrease recorded between the 2000 and 2010 Censuses.
There are three utilities that provide service to the town: Stowe Electric Department, Morrisville Water and Light, and Vermont Electric Cooperative. Stowe Electric Department maintains 10.1 miles of transmission lines, 120 miles of overhead distribution lines and four substations, including three primary metering points. It receives power through a new 115 KV transmission line originating in Duxbury. The only power generated at a commercial level in Stowe is one small hydroelectric facility in the village of Moscow.
Most Stowe residents and businesses obtain potable water from ground water sources. Presently 59 separate public water systems operate in the Town of Stowe, including the municipal water system. A public water supply system is defined as 10 or more service connections operating at least 60 days a year. The largest concentration of these systems is in the vicinity of Stowe Village and up Mountain Road. Other residences are served by on-site wells or springs. The municipal system is supplied by two sources, the Edson Hill well #2 and the Village Green well.
Stowe’s emergency response capabilities are unrivaled in Vermont. Locally, fire coverage is provided by the Town’s 40 member Volunteer Fire Department, located on Route 100 south of Stowe Village (the Village is the Town’s core commercial and residential area; it is not an incorporated municipality). The Fire Department is a participant in the Lamoille County Mutual Aid Network, which functions as a mutual aid response network among all eight Lamoille County Fire Departments. The Stowe Fire Department also participates in the Capital Fire Mutual Aid Systems, providing back-up coverage to the Montpelier and Barre region. Additionally, in July of 2012 the Town of Stowe adopted a Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement with the Town of Morristown. This agreement allows each municipality to request equipment and personnel from one another to respond to emergency situations that threaten 10 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 public infrastructure or public safety within their community.
The Stowe Police Department patrols 24 hours-a-day, providing service to the town as well as back up to neighboring communities. It is co-located with the Fire Department in a state-of-the- art public safety building, completed in 2010. There are 14 full time officers including a Chief, Sergeant and Detective and one full-time Administrative Assistant. The Stowe Rescue Squad and Mountain Rescue Team provide ambulance and emergency rescue services and are equipped for back-country and high-angle search and rescue operations. Stowe also maintains a swiftwater emergency team and equipment that is utilized across Vermont. Stowe’s emergency responders provide assistance to the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) and the Vermont State Police (VSP). The LCSD and VSP also provide law enforcement coverage for Stowe.
The town most recently adopted an updated Local Emergency Operations Plan in May 2016, in accordance with DEMHS requirements. The plan is updated annually by the EMD with technical assistance from the Lamoille County Planning Commission as needed, and approved by the Stowe Selectboard. Stowe Elementary School, Stowe Middle and High School, and elderly housing at Copley Woodlands and the West Branch Apartments are identified as high risk population areas. The high school is the Town’s primary emergency shelter. The school supplies a 50kw back-up generator capable of running the oil boiler, kitchen oven, walk-in freezers and emergency lighting. The Stowe Elementary School serves as a secondary emergency shelter. The Stowe Public Safety Building is the town’s primary Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
2.1 Previous Natural Disasters
Since 1990, Stowe has received public assistance funding from FEMA for the following natural disasters:
June 1990 (DR 875) $440,603 August 1995 (DR 1063) $79,852 April 2007 (DR 1698) $6,308 (Stowe Electric) May 2011 (DR-1995) $298,541.79 August 2011 (DR-4022) $291,039.62
Stowe received funding from the Federal Highway Administration for the following: May 2011 (DR-1995) $44,817.05 August 2011 (DR-4022) $170,894.67
More recent notable disasters affecting Lamoille County and the Stowe area include those listed below. The following cost estimates reflect actual property damage, not Public Assistance received. Please recognize that the events listed below were more localized in nature and not associated with a Statewide Disaster Declaration.
July 12, 2004 $314,000 (Stowe damage) February 24, 2012 $20,000 (County-wide property damage) July 19, 2013 $50,000 (Stowe area property damage) December 21, 2013 $750,000 (County-wide property damage) March 12, 2014 $20,000 (County-wide property damage)
Detailed information on previous disasters:
11 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 June 1990: Flash Floods affected six Vermont counties. Up to six inches of rain fell that closed roads and caused a train wreck.
August 1995: Record setting heavy rains caused flooding in six north-central counties (FEMA 1063-DR- VT). This was the first time since 1927 that a flood not only affected public infrastructure, but also personally impacted the residents of Vermont. Preliminary damage assessments indicated individual losses greater than damages to public infrastructure. Flood levels exceeded that of a 500-year event in several areas along the Lamoille River.
July 12, 2004: Stowe suffered serious flash flooding from a localized storm that dropped approximately four inches of rain within one hour. The flooding caused erosion and undercutting of existing paved roadways and ditches on Trapp Hill Road, Luce Hill Road, Moscow Road, Nebraska Valley Road and Barrows Road. The town received $314,000 in funding from the Vermont Town Highway Emergency Fund (EM-008) for repairs. An additional $53,000 was received from the Federal Aid Secondary Road Fund from the Federal Highway Administration for repairs on Barrows Road (FHWA Disaster #04-01).
April 15 to April 21, 2007: Stowe was hit with an ice storm and heavy rains (FEMA-1698-VT- DR) which caused extensive damage and debris. A Federal disaster was declared on May 4, 2007. Stowe Electric was provided $6,308 in public assistance funding.
April 23- May 9, 2011: Excessive rain and severe floods sweep across northern Vermont and the Champlain Valley, with a federal disaster (DR-1995) declared for Addison, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille and Orleans counties on June 15, 2011. This declaration extended both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds to Lamoille County communities.
August 30-31, 2011: High wind and flooding associated with Tropical Storm Irene devastate southern Vermont, causing localized damage to structures and property in northern parts of the state. While the extent was far less severe in Lamoille County than elsewhere in the state, Stowe specifically experienced extensive road, bridge and culvert damage from flooding and erosion.
February 24, 2012: A winter storm advisory took effect in northern, Vermont and in Lamoille County the afternoon of February 24, 2012. While some of the heaviest snowfall took place in Lamoille County, the Town of Stowe accumulated up to 18 inches over a 24-hour period.
July 19, 2013: During the evening hours on July 19, 2013 a strong thunderstorm moved its way across northern, Vermont. Wind speeds were recorded up to 65 knots. Widespread wind damage took place across northern, Vermont, leaving 15,000 customers without power. Stowe in particular also experienced notable structural damage from down trees and power lines including damage to vehicles, buildings and public infrastructure. The Stowe Recreation Path experience notable damage from this event as a result of down trees.
December 21, 2013: The evening of December 20 freezing rain and ice started to accumulate in northwestern, Vermont close to the Canadian border. Leading into the morning of December 21, a second round of freezing rain/hail began to fall across northern, Vermont. Ice accumulated in Lamoille County up to one inch. The winter ice storm caused numerous vehicle accidents as well as damage to trees and utility lines.
March 12, 2014: Blizzard conditions took place across Vermont the morning of March 12, 2014. Heavy 12 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 snowfall continued through the morning of March 13. Wind gusts up to 40 mph intensified snowdrifts on roads throughout Lamoille County. During this event the Town of Stowe received 15 inches of snow.
3. Stowe Hazard Inventory / Risk Assessment
The following assessment is based on the revised, 2013 Vermont HI/RA (Hazard Inventory and Risk Assessment) and was reviewed in 2014 as part of this plan’s update. The first column is a list of possible hazards that could affect the community. The hazards were evaluated to have a Rare, Unlikely, Unusual, Likely, or Frequent probability of being a threat to the community.
The Probability of occurrence is classified as shown below:
Rare: < 1% probability in the next 100 years; may never have occurred in Vermont. Unlikely: 1% to 4% probability in the next year, this type of event has occurred in Vermont. Unusual: 4% to 10% probability in the next year, or at least one chance in the next 100 years. Likely: 10% to 50% probability in the next year, or at least one chance in the next 10 years. Frequent: Greater than 50% probability in the next year; an event that occurs often but degree varies.
The SEVERITY (percentage of the community affected) of the hazard can be classed as follows:
Minor: < 10% of properties damaged/Minimal disruption to quality of life. Serious: 10% to < 25% of properties damaged/Loss of essential facilities/services for up to 7 days/Few (< 1% of population) injuries possible. Extensive: 25% to 50% of properties damaged/Loss of essential facilities/services for > 7 days < 14 days/Major (< 10% of population) injuries/few deaths possible. Catastrophic: > 50% of properties damaged/loss of essential facilities/services for > 14 days/Severe (> 10% of population) injuries/multiple deaths possible.
The combination of the impact of the hazard (severity) and the probability was used to determine the COMMUNITY VULNERABILITY/RISK as High, Moderate or Low.
The WORST THREATS to the community are designated with an asterisk *. The worst threats are those hazards with threats that have (a) frequent possibility of occurrence, and/or (b) catastrophic or extensive impact to your community.
3.1 Stowe HI/RA Matrix Table I. Stowe HI/RA Possible Hazard Probability of Severity Community Most Vulnerable Areas Occurrence Vulnerability /Risk Flooding and Flash Frequent Catastrophic High Damage to roads, culverts, Floods* bridges, Recreation Path, residences, and commercial structures; potential water source contamination 13 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Winter Storm/Ice Frequent Extensive High Property damage, road closures, Storm* loss of electricity from fallen trees
Windstorms, incl. Likely Serious High Road closures and loss of Hurricanes and electricity Tropical Storms* from fallen trees; other vulnerabilities associated with flooding Dam Failures* Unusual Catastrophic High Major damage to structures within mapped inundation zones; other vulnerabilities associated with flooding. Severe Frequent Serious Moderate Road closures and loss of Thunderstorms electricity from fallen trees; major structure damage; possible damage relating to flash flooding. Property damage from hail Major Highway and Likely Serious Moderate Intersection of VT Route 100 and Railroad Accidents 108
Structure Fire Likely Serious Moderate Spread of fire through major population centers, elderly housing complexes Landslide/Rockslide Likely Minor Moderate Damage to roads, structures and /Embankment recreation fields Failure Hazardous Unusual Extensive Moderate Exposure to residences and Materials Spill general population; environmental contamination Drought Unusual Serious Moderate Private well failures, wildfires, agricultural losses
Tornado Unusual Serious Moderate Road closures and loss of electricity from fallen trees; major structure damage Extreme Unusual Serious Moderate Private well failures, wildfires, Temperatures agricultural losses; transportation infrastructure damage, strain on the power grid. Municipal water infrastructure damage
14 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Invasive Species Frequent Minor Low Serious damage to water resources, possible extinction of some species Major Unusual Extensive Low Widespread damage to wildfire/forest fire structures, infrastructure Ice Jam Unusual Minor Low Property damage from flooding along the West Branch Rock Cuts Unusual Minor Low Damage to roads, road closures from fallen rocks Infectious Disease Unlikely Extensive Low Severe disruption to agriculture Outbreak stock, strain on healthcare system, economic disruption Earthquake Unlikely Serious Low See VT Geological Survey HAZUS report (9/03) Major Hailstorm Unlikely Minor Low Damage to structures and other private and public property Terrorism Rare Catastrophic Low Disruption of food supply, dam failure, economic disruption Nuclear Power Rare Catastrophic Low Area of nuclear fallout would Plant Failure become unusable
3.2 Community Vulnerability Analysis by Hazard
Based on the results of interviews with local residents, meetings with local Town officials, a Hazard Questionnaire conducted during the 2005 planning development process, the history of disasters in town, and the Stowe HI/RA, the following hazards were identified as significant threats to the town. Table I has been broken down into the following categories: Significant Hazards, Moderate Hazards, and “Other Hazards”. The significant hazards are based on the likelihood and probability of occurring and include: Flood Inundation and Flash Flooding Windstorms Winter Storm/Ice Storm Potential Dam Failure
Each of these threats has the potential to cause power outages, which displace lives and property damage, especially during winter months. A section is devoted to power outages at the end of the Significant Hazards section.
Moderate hazards have potential for extensive severity and moderate risk, which includes HAZMAT incidents and Transportation hazards. Other hazards pose a risk to the community but are not as likely or severe. Thus, they are briefly discussed but not in great detail.
15 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 3.3 Significant Hazards
Economic Considerations for Hazards
The Town of Stowe is home to one of the most renowned tourist destinations in New England. Damage to infrastructure, local businesses, and threats to public safety could mean a loss of millions of dollars in sales revenues. Protecting town assets and providing a desirable visitor experience is crucial to maintaining Stowe’s local economy. As a thriving tourist town, Stowe attracts nearly the equivalent of its permanent population (4,314 recorded in the 2010 Census) in seasonal visitors, many of which own second homes or rent apartments in town. According to the 2014 Grand List, 54% of housing units had a tax mailing address outside Stowe, indicating that around half of home ownership in town is represented by part-time residents. Stowe has approximately 45 lodging facilities providing 1, 450 rooms. In FY 2013, Stowe generated a total of over $295 million in sales, rooms, meals, and alcohol revenues. Disruption and in-accessibility to local services, businesses, and accommodations due to local hazards in Stowe can have a significant financial impact on Stowe’s economy.
Significant Hazards
Along with infrastructure damage, the disruption of local economic systems contributes to a hazard being labeled as “significant”. Each of the four significant hazards listed below are capable of serious economic disruption that could affect the future growth of the municipality.
All threats have the capacity for short-term economic disruption, as Stowe has a significant tourism industry. Even minor storms can prevent tourists from spending time in town, but significant storms can cause infrastructure failures could limit tourism revenues for the town for extended periods of time. Resources necessary for the tourism industry could be seriously damaged, limiting tourism revenue further. Damage from floods can be sudden, severe, and wide-reaching. Flooding can damage or wash away crops and cut off transportation to and from Stowe, cutting off all sources of revenue. Winter storms can down power lines and ice storms can cause severe damage to forests, reducing their scenic value. Windstorms can cause similar issues with transportation, power infrastructure and scenic resources.
Moderate Hazards
While most moderate threats are capable of causing serious damage, the immediate or overall threat that moderate hazards pose is not as serious as significant hazards. Many of these hazards could have short-term effects on tourism revenue, but there is less of a chance that the damage is likely to occur. Climate change may increase the chance or severity of many of these hazards in the future, which may push some hazards into the significant hazard category. As climate change continues to alter weather patterns in the area temperatures may raise, precipitation levels may change, and some threats like droughts, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and extreme temperatures may become more serious hazards. These hazards could have an increasing impact on Stowe’s economy. Severe storms can limit tourist traffic, and drought and extreme temperatures damage crops and pose an overall threat to public health. Several hazards can limit traffic in and out of town including hazardous material spills, rockslides, highway accidents and tornadoes.
16 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Other Hazards
Hazards in this category may cause damage ranging from minor to catastrophic. Although threats like a nuclear power plant disaster or terrorism can cause an area to be completely uninhabitable, they pose a statistically insignificant threat to Stowe due to the hazard’s chance to directly affect the municipality. Hazards like earthquakes, hail storms, and ice jams have the potential to cause serious infrastructure damage to Stowe; there are no recorded instances significant enough to cause economic disturbances.
Possible economic impacts include property damage from wildfires, earthquakes, hail storms, or terrorism. Quarantine from an infectious disease could cause a complete halt of economic transactions in and out of the town. Invasive species may cause significant environmental imbalances that reduce the scenic value of major features in Stowe, or kill local crops. Finally, a nuclear event in Southern Vermont combined with the right weather conditions could bring radioactive precipitation to Stowe, rendering some crops or waterways useless. Rock cuts are unlikely to cause anything but a minor delay in traffic, leading to minor economic disruption.
Flooding and Flash Flooding The community vulnerability to a Flood is HIGH based on the Frequent possibility (Near 100% probability in the next year) of an incident with the potential for Catastrophic (>50% of the community) impact.
Based on the results of utilizing GIS to overlay the digital FIRM flood maps with the location of structures in Stowe, which were GPS located for the development of the Enhanced 911 Emergency services telephone dispatch system, sixty-three (63) vulnerable locations were identified to have the potential of flooding based on the 100-year flood zone. The estimated loss for damage to these properties was calculated by using the median housing value estimated by the 2013 American Community Survey and the 2014 Grand List of properties in town.
Table II. Stowe Potential Flood Loss Town Median Housing Value Structures in Potential Flood Loss Floodplain (% of total) Stowe $372,800* 63 (1%) $23,486,400 *Based on American Community Survey 2009-2013 median housing value
The Floodplain, Transportation Concerns, and Areas of Local Concern maps in Appendix E identify the areas of town that are within the 100-year floodplain. The Local Areas of Concern map identifies other areas of potential loss to infrastructure due to erosion and road flooding.
High priority culverts for replacement would have large spalls, heavy scaling, wide cracks, holes, integral wing walls nearly severed from culvert, severe scour or erosion, extreme distortion/ defection and extensive corrosion. Stowe historically has recorded numerous floods. Annual flood events are common in some form with the amount of damage sustained ranging from low to severe. For example, a rare localized flash flooding event occurred during the summer of 2004 and caused erosion and undercutting of existing paved roadways and ditches on Trapp Hill Road, Luce Hill Road, Moscow Road, Nebraska Valley Road and Barrows Road. This damage is attributed to a storm that dropped approximately 4 inches of rain in one hour.
Floodplains are vital to the quality of Stowe’s surface waters and the health and safety of the community. By retaining runoff during periods of heavy rain and spring thaw, floodplains reduce the
17 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 velocity of rivers and streams. They also present severe limitations for development due to potential hazards resulting from periodic flooding; harmful effects on channel capacity and downstream properties resulting from filling; and improper functioning of sewage disposal systems caused by typically high water tables.
FEMA has identified 1,140 acres of floodplain with a 1% annual chance flood event (100 year floodplain) in Stowe, and an additional 165 acres of floodplain with a 0.2% annual chance flood event. The largest concentration of floodplain stretches along the Little River north of Stowe Village and the lower stretches of the West Branch. Significant areas of floodplain are also found along the Little River south of Stowe Village and adjacent to Miller Brook.
Impact: The West Branch of the Little River, which follows the Mountain Road and the Stowe Recreation Path for much of its length, is Stowe’s most scenic and degraded waterway. Since the 1960’s development has resulted in stream channel and water quality degradation. The conversion of farm fields and forests within the West Branch watershed has resulted in increased surface runoff and flooding, flood plain encroachment, stream bank erosion and channel alteration. As a result, water quality has diminished, flooding has become more frequent, and hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent to protect public and private investments along the river.
Severe washouts can cause damage to roads and bridges, making them impassible. The major consequences of such damage are the potential for accidents and injuries, as vehicles attempt to travel over unsafe and unstable roadways and in isolated areas with no vehicular access. Emphasis should be on anticipating where this may occur so that roadways can be closed. Due to the fact that the town highway garage is located in an area that may become isolated during a flood, relocation of the equipment should be considered before this becomes a problem. Empty sandbags are also stored at the town garage, so moving them is a consideration. Alternate transportation routes for emergency vehicles should also be pre-planned. The LEPC is actively involved in developing and exercising plans to address such issues.
In some circumstances, persons may become trapped in high water, requiring rescue. Stowe Mountain Rescue has water rescue equipment and training and is one of three teams that have a Memorandum of Understanding with the State to respond statewide to flood and swiftwater emergencies.
Health hazards caused by flood waters include damage to water supplies and sewer lines. Underground storage tanks and hazardous materials can also leak into floodwaters and impact the quality of the local water supply. The Town Health Officer should be involved in evaluating these hazards along with the Fire Department and Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS). Future LHMP updates should include historical data measuring flood magnitude, flow rate, and duration of flood events.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Stowe currently administers flood hazard regulations as part of the town’s zoning regulations. These ensure that all landowners– both in and out of the mapped flood hazard area– are eligible for insurance from the NFIP. The Town of Stowe participates in the NFIP and currently has 37 policies in force.
From 1978 to 2012, there has been $115,971.66 of claims in the town and $2,495.56 from the unincorporated village. There are two repetitive loss properties in Stowe; one is a residential property and the other is a non-residential property. They have both suffered damage two times and have a 18 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 combined total payout of $22,929.45.
Stowe is one of two towns in the county which has a digital flood insurance rate map (DFIRM), updated August 4, 2005. The town will continue to regulate and enforce NFIP requirements through its flood hazard regulations, including new and substantially improved construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas and providing floodplain identification and mapping determinations.
Winter Storm/Ice Storm The community vulnerability to a Winter Storm/Ice Storm is HIGH based on the Frequent (Near 100% probability in the next year) occurrence and the potential for Extensive (25% to 50% of the community) impact.
A winter storm is a storm that generates sufficient quantities of snow, ice, or sleet to result in hazardous conditions and/or property damage. Ice storms are sometimes incorrectly referred to as sleet storms. Sleet is similar to hail only smaller and can be easily identified as frozen rain drops (ice pellets) that bounce when hitting the ground or other objects. Sleet does not stick to wires or trees, but in sufficient depth, can cause hazardous driving conditions. Ice storms are the result of cold rain that freezes on contact with the surfaces, coating the ground, trees, buildings, overhead wires, and other exposed objects with ice, sometimes causing extensive damage. Periods of extreme cold tend to occur with these events.
Winter storms with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures in various combinations are fairly commonplace in Stowe, which includes the base of Vermont’s highest peak. The town is posed to handle most winter emergencies. A potential for emergencies exists when such storms also result in the loss of electricity, leaving people without adequate heating capability. Heavy wet snows of early fall and late spring cause most power failures, however, ice storms can also cause power outages. Damage has resulted in structural damage to residences and businesses in the past. Normally, damage is result of heavy snow causing roof failures. Ice events and heavy wet snows have caused numerous power outages due to power line damage.
The physical extents of winter storms are town wide due to the expansive nature of winter storms. Based on past occurrences, the worst anticipated winter weather Stowe could experience would be 2-3 feet of snow within 24 hours, with more at higher elevations, and several days of power outages. The ice storm of December 2013 demonstrated that sustained power outages are not fatal but advance preparation and planning should be taken by municipal officials and residents. Using the wind chill scale and historical information, the estimate for extreme cold is – 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scales to measure the extent of winter storms are:
Heavy snowfall –Stowe is significantly affected when they experience an accumulation of 24 inches or more in a 24-hour period.
Blizzard – Stowe is significantly affected when they experience sustained wind speeds in excess of 40 mph accompanied by heavy snowfall or large amounts of blowing or drifting snow.
Ice storm – Stowe is significantly affected when they experience ice accumulations of 1” or greater over a 48 – 72 hour time period.
19 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Wind Chill Extent Scale
Due to the region’s mountainous terrain, it is not uncommon for precipitation to range from rain in the valley area to ice in the middle elevations, with heavy snows in the higher terrain. This poses a major challenge to highway maintenance personnel. Stowe maintains snow removal equipment for all town highways and Vermont Agency of Transportation maintains equipment for state highways. Snowfalls that are within normal snowfall limits are handled effectively; however, during heavy snowfall for extended periods of time, removal of snow becomes problematic. Historically, these events are not frequent and are short in duration. During such events, radio communications is maintained between highway crews and town emergency responders, and coordinated by the EOC. In the event of a winter emergency, the Highway Department will assist fire and ambulance crews by making private roads passable. In 2013, there was a national shortage of road salt so Stowe should be prepared for an extended ice storm that may require more salt than normal. Local construction equipment in the community has been used in the past to augment community resources. Stowe’s first responder equipment includes ATVs and snowmobiles. Most residences are accessible during severe weather conditions, although access may be delayed.
By observing winter storm watches and warnings, adequate preparations can usually be made to lessen the impact of snow, ice, and sleet, and below freezing temperature conditions on the Town. Providing for the mass care and sheltering of residents left without heat or electricity for an extended time and mobilizing sufficient resources to clear broken tree limbs from roads are the primary challenges facing community officials. The Town encourages residents who are in remote locations to be equipped with generators and backup fuel supplies in the event of prolonged power outages and travel restrictions. The Fire Department can continue to provide outreach and education of the impacts of winter storms to these populations.
Hazardous materials pose a severe threat to a large percentage of Stowe’s population as elderly persons may be limited in their ability to shovel roofs and clear around vent pipes. Major snow storms resulting in deep snow drifts can block heating vent pipes causing carbon monoxide poisoning. During snow storms, the Fire Department may experience difficultly reaching customers as the roads due to cleared roads as the town road crew may be busy with snow removal in other areas of town.
Despite frequent occurrences of significant storms, a majority of residents are adequately prepared to face these types of events.
20 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Extent: The worst winter storm that can be anticipated in Stowe would be comparable to the December 2008 ice storm where much of the region was impacted by 3-4” of ice accumulation, causing widespread, multi-day power outages and obstructing roads with downed trees and power lines. Alternatively, the worst snow storm that can be expected is snowfall of up to 30”, which has occurred multiple times. While large snowfalls often disrupt business for one or more days, Vermont communities are well prepared for snow and such storms are generally less of a hazard than the aforementioned ice storms. Roads, bridges, power lines, and the elderly are most vulnerable during winter storm events. The likelihood of a storm occurring is high based on documented and anecdotal evidence. The impact of damage from a winter storm increases as power outages increase or as drivers attempt vehicular travel.
Windstorms/High Winds Powerful windstorms represent a four-season hazard in Vermont. Impacts may vary from highly localized events to storms causing widespread damage. These storms frequently damage structures, trees, and powerlines. In December 2010, a damaging windstorm in central and northwest Vermont led to a federal disaster declaration for Chittenden, Franklin, and Lamoille counties. Windstorms pose risk to the entire community.
Damaging winds and flooding may also be caused by hurricanes and tropical storms, which travel up the Atlantic coastline. While the risk to Vermont is not on par with the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast states, the associated rain and flooding caused by these storms has had devastating impacts locally. In 1938, a hurricane swept across New England, causing what was once cited as the worst flooding event in the state’s history. In some regions, the 1938 hurricane was only recently eclipsed by the impact of Tropical Storm Irene, which devastated southern and central Vermont in August 2011.
The impacts associated with hurricanes and severe storms are mainly associated with flooding impacts and the potential for damage from debris and fallen trees that could cause power outages. Damages from TS Irene and the April 2011 storm events are outlined in the Flood/Flash Flood section. Wind speeds during the April 2011 storm averaged 67 knots, with Cambridge reporting wind speeds up to 77 miles per hour; this translates to a Beaufort number 12 using that wind speed measurement.
Extent: An estimate of the worst anticipated wind extent in Stowe based on past occurrences would be Category 1 force hurricane winds and H4 hail according to the Hail/Torro scale. At a Beaufort number of 8-9 and hail sized H4 on the Torro/Hailstorm scale, Stowe may start to experience high wind impacts and damages. In the future, Stowe could consider installing a monitoring station to better gather data for wind events. Wind events can be recorded using the Beaufort or Saffir-Simpson scales. Hail events can be recorded using the Torro/Hailstorm Scale (below). The extent of flooding associated with these storms can be found in the section above on Flooding/ Flash Flooding. Heavy winds have the potential to impact residential, commercial, and civic structures (damaging roofs or blowing debris into windows or siding); damaging infrastructure; causing riverbank erosion; or causing power outages due to downed lines. The probability is high that a wind storm will occur in the next year. Damage could range from $0 to $500,000 depending on the building or infrastructure impacted.
21 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Table III. Hail Intensity Scale Hail/ Torro Scale (source: http://www.torro.org.uk/hscale.php) Size Intensity Typical Hail Probable Typical Damage Impacts Code Category Diameter Kinetic: (mm) Energy, J-m2 H0 Hard Hail No damage 5 0-20
H1 Potentially Slight general damage to plants, Damaging 5 to 15 >20 crops H2 Significant Significant damage to fruit, crops, 10 to 20 >100 vegetation H3 Severe Severe damage to fruit and crops, 20 to 30 >300 damage to glass and plastic structures, paint and wood scored H4 Severe Widespread glass damage, vehicle 25 to 40 >500 bodywork damage H5 Destructive Wholesale destruction of glass, 30 to 50 >800 damage to tiled roofs, significant risk of injuries H6 Destructive Bodywork of grounded aircraft 40 to 60 dented, brick walls pitted H7 Destructive Severe roof damage, risk of serious 50 to 75 injuries H8 Destructive (Severest recorded in the British 60 to 90 Isles) Severe damage to aircraft bodywork H9 Super Extensive structural damage. Risk Hailstorms 75 to 100 of severe or even fatal injuries to persons caught in the open H10 Super Extensive structural damage. Risk Hailstorms >100 of severe or even fatal injuries to persons caught in the open
Table IV Hail Size Scale Size Maxmimum Description code Diameter mm 0 5 to 9 Pea 1 10 to 15 Mothball 2 16 to 20 Marble, grape 3 21 to 30 Walnut 4 31 to 40 Pigeon's egg > squash ball 5 41 to 50 Golf ball > Pullet's egg 6 51 to 60 Hen's egg
22 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 7 61 to 75 Tennis ball > cricket ball 8 76 to 90 Large orange > Soft ball 9 91 to 100 Grapefruit 10 >100 Melon
Dam Failure There are currently three dams located in Stowe that pose a potential threat of significant damage to life and/or property, if they were to fail. These include the Moscow Dam, Lake Mansfield Trout Club Dam and the Stowe Mountain Resort Dam. Each damn is owned by private land owners, limiting the direct involvement the Town of Stowe can have in implementing dam upgrades or requesting removal. Both the Stowe Mountain Resort and Lake Mansfield Trout Club dams serve as key recreational resources to these organizations. While the Trout Club Dam provides a quiet, peaceful small lake for water reaction activities, the dam at Stowe Mountain Resort is utilized primarily for snow making. Currently, private land owners monitor the structural integrity of these dams as well as periodic dam inspections are performed by VT DEC staff. While recognizing the extent of flooding if these dams were to be structurally deficient and fail during a storm event, the Town of Stowe is encouraged to stay up to speed on the current condition of the dams and work with private land owners and ANR to implement necessary upgrades, drainage or removal projects. Additional basic information about historic and active dams within the Town and neighboring communities can be obtained from the Vermont Dam Inventory, viewed as a map layer on the Vermont Natural Resources Atlas at http://anrmaps.vermont.gov/. The inventory is managed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's Streamflow Protection Program. It contains information about dams based on a potential hazard ranking system that considers the impact to downstream areas if a dam were to fail.
The potential impact of dam failure varies by location in terms of flooding inundation extend and properties likely to be effected and damaged. During the summer of 2014, the Town of Stowe EMD solicited assistance from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Dam Safety Section and Weston and Sampson Engineers to develop an Emergency Action Plan for the potential sudden breach of the Mansfield Lake Dam. A flood inundation analysis conducted as part of this effort demonstrated the extend of flooding caused by the dam breaching would inundate approximately 30 homes/buildings structures along Miller Brook and Nebraska Valley Road. An additional 11 structures/homes would be at risk of flooding or isolation due to their vicinity to the predicted flood inundation area. Additional roads and areas that would be at risk in this scenario include the Town- owned gravel pit, Sugar Bush lane, Moscow Road, Cottonbrook Road, and areas around the Waterbury Reservoir due to an increase in dam water level. See Appendix D for flood inundation maps and a list of at risk buildings. For additional information regarding this analysis please contact Weston and Sampson, the Stowe Emergency Management Director, or LCPC for a copy of the full report.
The Stowe Mountain Resort Upper Golf Course Reservoir Dam is situated on the eastern side of Vermont Route 108, just south of the upper Golf Course and Main Lodge. Stowe Mountain Resort currently employs a Reservoir Manager that is responsible for monitoring the condition of the dam and initiating the updated resort Emergency Action Plan in the event of a reservoir emergency such as a leak, overflow or breach in the structure. The dam’s proximity to Route 108 and a moderately dense resort area of town possess a potential flooding threat to those staying in nearby accommodations and homes as well as local commercial businesses downstream along Route 108. In 2004, a Revised Dam Breach and Inundation Analysis were conducted by CEA (Civil Engineering Associates) for the Reservoir Dam. In 2014, updated flood analysis maps were created by GeoDesign Inc. Results from this analysis 23 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 demonstrated that if a dam breach were to occur during a 100-year flood event a substantial number of buildings located within the dam over-bank area would become inundated. The over-bank area begins at Stowe Fork and extends to the covered bridge on Bridge Road. Further analysis identified similar results for dam breach occurring on a sunny day. For maps depicting the location of the Stowe Mountain Resort Upper Golf Course Reservoir Dam and the 2004 Flood Inundation Analysis please see Appendix E. For additional information regarding the dam please contact the Reservoir Manager at Stowe Mountain Resort or consult the 2014 Emergency Action Plan for the Upper Golf Course Reservoir Dam. Please contact the Stowe Emergency Management Director to view a hard copy of this plan.
The Moscow Dam is located in the historic village of Moscow, now part of the southwestern corner of Stowe. The dam is situated on the Little River near Moscow Mills just south of Moscow Road and north of Adams Mills Rd. The structure is a concrete dam that backs up to the river slowing the flow of water; no artificial ponds are present at this structure. If the Moscow Dam were to suddenly breach the most likely directly impacted areas would include development along Adams Mill Road and the southern portion of Moscow Road. These areas would likely be inundated by flooding in the event of a dam breach. For a map depicting the location of the Moscow Dam please see Appendix E.
Beaver Dams Stowe emergency and town officials currently have not identified beaver dams that would or are causing significant flooding damage, resulting in the loss of property or life. While there are notable beaver dams developed within wetland areas and along Miller Brook, they are situated in low density residential or natural conserved areas of town such as the wetlands along the Nebraska Valley Notch trail downstream from the Lake Mansfield Dam. However, coupled with a dam failure (Lake Mansfield) or major flooding event these beaver dams could cause significant debris to be sent downstream, potentially damaging structures and roads within predicted flood areas.
Extent: The extent of damage caused by a potential breach ranges from minimal to catastrophic, causing a significant amount of property and infrastructure damage as well as potential losses to life as outlined in the paragraphs above. Both private dams in Stowe are logged as Class 1, which is the high risk category. It indicates the potential for significant loss of life and excessive economic loss. The Moscow Dam is located not far up river of the Waterbury Reservoir, which holds up to 9 billion gallons of water. A dam failure at the Moscow Dam would cause a surge of water that could cause significant damage at the reservoir.
Impact of Power Shortage/Failure One of the most common impacts of major natural disasters can be the prolonged loss of electricity, whether from localized damage to distribution systems or from remote impacts to generation and transmission facilities. Based on the rural character of the town and its concerns with transportation infrastructure in inclement weather, protracted loss of power could significantly endanger health and safety, have substantial economic consequences, or cause stress and severe inconvenience to the town’s residents and businesses. The shortage of energy, food supplies, and the lack of ability to pump municipal water supply to residents could threaten the welfare of the citizens of Stowe. The dependency upon out of state sources can become a problem when normal deliveries are interrupted. The VT Department of Health and the Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department maintain a list of vulnerable populations who may require additional assistance during long term outages. The Stowe Electric Department should work closely with the EMD to prepare for a sustained power outage.
24 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 3.4 Moderate Hazards
Severe Thunderstorms Severe Thunderstorms are storms that are capable of producing high winds, large hail, lightning, heavy rains, flooding, and tornadoes. Thunderstorms are, in general, differentiated from tropical storms by producing straight-line winds rather than the cyclical patterns that define tropical storms and hurricanes. These winds may be in excess of 50 mph. These winds can have devastating effects on significant tree stands as well as exposed property, infrastructure, and aboveground utilities. These effects can lead to power outages, disruption of the transportation infrastructure, economic disruptions, significant property damage, and pose a significant risk of injuries and loss of life. Microbursts and macrobursts of wind from the base of a thunderstorm can reach speeds in excess of 80 mph and pose an extreme danger to low flying aircraft.
Thunderstorms can form in several ways. Ordinary cell thunderstorms consist of one cell which produces strong winds, rain, lightning, and possibly hailstones. Multicell cluster thunderstorms consist of several ordinary cell thunderstorms close to each other. They pose a significant flash flood risk. Squall line thunderstorms are long lines in excess of 100 miles in length, with the strongest wind and rain at the front of the storm. Supercell thunderstorms are the largest and most damaging thunderstorms. Most tornadoes are formed from supercells and they can produce hailstones larger than golf balls.
High winds and lightning are the most consistently devastating effects of a severe thunderstorm in Vermont. Lightning can strike up to 50 miles away from a thunderstorm. It is the first hazard to arrive and the last to leave. Flash flooding may also occur after a severe thunderstorm. The mountainous terrain found in Stowe may exacerbate the effects of flash flooding due to the steep terrain. Damage from flooding includes erosion, property damage, loss of crops, and loss of human life. Flooding remains the most lethal natural hazard in the United States.
Two noteworthy storms that have occurred in Lamoille County recently occurred on July 21, 2010 ($88,400.00 combined crop/property damage), and July 18, 2008 ($157,575.76 property damage). The July 18, 2008 storm also produced tornados that caused $52,525.25 in damages.
While thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year, spring and summer are the most common times that significant thunderstorm cells are formed.
Major Highway Accidents Stowe is crossed by two major State highways: VT Routes 100 and 108. Route 100 through Stowe is a particularly busy stretch of highway, frequented by residents, tourists and large trucks. While Route 108 serves as less of a throughway, there is concern that a fuel shipment to the mountain could be derailed on a steep, icy part of the road. This represents a potentially challenging HAZMAT response, as access from the north would be cut-off by the seasonal closure of Smugglers’ Notch. In total, three intersections have been identified as having a history of accidents, including hazardous materials. Mass casualty incidents (more than 4 injured people) are also of particular concern involving motor vehicle accidents (particularly tour or school busses). Blocked roadways and infrastructure damage are of utmost concern on the Cambridge side of the Notch.
Currently, there are twenty one High Crash Locations identified by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) along State routes and Major Collectors in Stowe (Transportation Concerns Map 25 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 2, Appendix C). These locations include sections of state roads and intersections as well as portions of Major Collectors. The sites located along Vermont Routes 100 and 108 and ranged from six to sixty one crashes from 2008-2012. Many of these sites are located in Stowe Village, where the majority of development is located along VT Routes 100 and 108. One of the highest crash locations is where Route 108 meets Route 100, shown in the Areas of Local Concerns map. There are seven road segments on Route 100 and ten segments of Route 108 that have been identified as High Crash Locations by VTrans in the 2008-2012 High Crash Location Report: Sections and Intersections. Additional High Crash locations located along a Major Collector include portions of Stagecoach Road from the Morristown-Stowe town line to where Stagecoach meets Route 100. Accidents recorded along Stagecoach Road in Stowe from 2008- 2012 ranged from six to seven crashes.
During 2006, a culvert study was conducted based on the Vermont Center for Geographic Information Bridge & Culvert Exchange Standards; this information is readily available at the Stowe town office. In fall of 2016, the Lamoille County Planning Commission assisted the Town of Stowe in conducting an updated culvert inventory. It is important for Stowe to maintain current information on the status of culverts and bridges because this infrastructure impacts the ability of water to flow during flooding. Failure to maintain adequate sized culverts or the presence of a damaged culvert can cause blockage of water passage along rivers and streams; it is common for small streams to turn into rivers due to insufficient culverts. Managing culverts is both a mitigation action and a maintenance action. Blocked or undersized culverts can lead to road washouts, bridge failures, and overtopping of stream and riverine banks, which increases erosion or floods property and infrastructure.
To plan for culvert maintenance and replacement, the town conducts an annual program and schedule. LCPC will be working with the town to update their culvert inventory during this planning cycle. Critical bridges located in town are identified on the Transportation Concerns Map 2 in Appendix C. This map demonstrates bridges with a federal sufficiency rating of less than 50 (out of 100) and areas with high erosion concerns. Ten of the Bridges in Stowe have a federal sufficiency rating of less than 50. In 2010, VTrans identified 5 scour critical bridges which require closure in the event of high water or if settlement or movement of the structure is observed. These include: Bridge 36 at Nebraska Valley Road; Bridge 39 at Moss Glen Falls Rd.; Bridge 52 at Weeks Hill Road; Bridge 64 at Ranch Brook Road; Bridge 71 at Cemetery Road; and the Luce Hill Bridge. Over the past two years, three bridges in town were completed by VTrans; Bridge 208, Gold Brook Bridge (Rte. 100), Bridge 2, Bridge St. Bridge (Rte. 108), and Bridge 3 “Gables” Bridge (Rte.108).
Railroad accidents are not likely to directly affect Stowe (as there are no active lines through town), but response agencies could be taxed in the event of a railroad accident in the neighboring town of Waterbury.
Structure Fire According to data from 2010 Census, there are 3,526 housing units in Stowe. Historically, structure fires have been isolated incidences. The risk of large scale structure fires is relatively high in Stowe but the proximity of the Fire Department, capacity of the Fire Department, and preparedness of the Fire Department lessen the risk in the Village where buildings are fairly close together. The most significant risk involves commercial lodging facilities, particularly at the major resorts. A fire in 1980 at a major cross-country ski resort caused a mass evacuation of guests and led to the rebuilding of the entire resort.
26 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Landslides/Rockslides/Embankment Failure The term “landslide” describes a variety of events that result in downward and outward movement of slope-forming materials including rock, soil, artificial fill, or some combination thereof. Landslides in Vermont are often caused by human-caused or natural changes to groundwater flow which removes vegetation, destabilizes the banks of waterways and often causes undercutting of steep banks. Another significant cause of landslides and rockslides is Vermont’s natural freezing and thawing cycle which can fracture and loosen materials.
The risk of a landslide is most often associated with flooding, erosion, and other impacts of heavy rainfall. In recent years, the nearby communities of Cambridge and Johnson experienced property damage associated with streambank landslides. While landslides are a potential risk in Stowe due to the scale of development in mountainous terrain, historically there have been no significant landslide events. Minor events have happened on some town highways and by the recreation path including Cape Cod Road, River Road, and Nebraska Valley Road.
Hazardous Material Spill Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) releases are of concern to Stowe given the location of major state highways through the center of town. Some automobile accidents include releases of flammable liquids. The likelihood of a spill or release is low. Data from the inventory maintained by LEPC 11 identifies 23 Tier II sites in the Town of Stowe. A Tier II site is defined by federal law under the Emergency Planning & Community Right to Know Act and is generally any facility which uses or possesses reportable quantities of chemicals requiring material safety data sheets by VOSHA, known human carcinogens, extremely hazardous substances, explosives which require licensing or certain threshold quantities of petroleum products. According to the 2012 Tier II statewide database, eight of those 23 critical facilities located in Stowe were listed as Extremely Hazardous Sites (EHS). An EHS is a Tier II location that contains at or above the Vermont hazardous substance threshold of 100 pounds. Please see Appendix E for maps depicting the location of critical facilities and Extremely Hazardous Sites in Stowe.
According to the State’s Waste Management Interactive database, between 2005 and 2012, 55 incidents were reported involving hazardous material spills. The spills generally involved heating oil or other petroleum-based products. As of November 2014, the following table lists the active spill sites in Stowe. In 1991, the Hazardous Sites database and the Petroleum Sites database were consolidated. This list includes petroleum as well as non-petroleum sites. Prior to database consolidation, different site numbering systems were used. In order to minimize confusion, the petroleum site numbering system was adopted. This system consists of a two or four digit prefix (year site was identified) and a four digit (site specific) number. All sites identified since January 1, 1991 have been consecutively numbered beginning with 91-1000. Sites identified prior to January 1, 1991, have retained their previously assigned site identification numbers. Due to database requirements for a six digit site number, the non- petroleum sites identified prior to January 1, 1991 have a 77 prefix added to their previously assigned site identification numbers.
Table V. Hazardous Waste Sites: November 2014 Site# Site Name Site Address Site Town Priority Discovery Date 20124258 Bull Estate 136 Cape Cod Road Stowe LOW 2/16/2012 931403 Dave's Mobil Main St Stowe MED 5/27/1993 20033088 Foster's Place 4968 Mountain Road Stowe MED 11/1/2002
27 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 20104108 Kayan Residence 3296 Weeks Hill Road Stowe LOW 10/26/2010 20124307 Libby Residence 158 White Gates Lane Stowe MED 6/13/2012 900630 Mt Mansfield Garage Rt 100 & 108 Stowe LOW 11/1/1990 Stonybrook 20012867 Condominiums 251 Luce Hill Road Stowe MED 8/16/2001 961957 Stowe Auto Mountain Rd Stowe LOW 3/1/1996 20002776 Stowe Car Wash Route 100 Stowe LOW 5/22/2000 Sweet And Burt Bulk 972128 Facility Route 100 Stowe LOW 20053320 Tom Lot Soil Treatment 5781 Mountain Rd Stowe LOW 7/20/2005
The State’s database also lists 24 hazardous waste generators and 29 active underground storage tank facility locations in the Town. The potential for severe pollution impacts to water quality and ecosystems exists from hazardous waste sites and/or from facilities which use hazardous materials. A release of hazardous materials from fixed site locations is a Likely occurrence.
The accompanying Areas of Local Concern Map 3 in Appendix C outlines the potential extent of a HAZMAT incident in terms of structures affected within a community from a fixed site and in terms of structures affected along a HAZMAT transportation corridor or route where an accident might occur.
When assessing community vulnerability, the impact of both fixed site and transportation were considered. Using the 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook, a 1000 foot buffer was selected. For fixed site facilities, a 1000 foot radius circle was drawn around that site to determine the area of potential impact. For potential transportation incidents, a 500 foot buffer on each side of Class I and II roads was used to determine potential extent. Of the 2,719 structures within the town, 303 structures are within 1000 feet of a Tier II site. Structures include all residential, commercial, and public buildings in a town. Structures are only counted once. This means that if a house is within 1000 feet of three Tier II sites, it is only counted once, not three times. Based on the median housing value for Stowe, provided by the 2011- 2013 American Community Survey, the estimated potential loss for all properties within 1000 feet of a Tier II site is $5,336,914. The estimated potential loss for all properties within 500 feet of a major roadway is $12,771,360. See Tables VI and VII below.
Table VI. Stowe Potential Tier II Hazard Loss (fixed) Town Median Housing Structures within 1000’ of Potential Tier II Value Tier II site (% of total) Hazard Loss Stowe $289,600 387 (13%) $5,336,914
Table VII. Stowe Potential Tier II Hazard Loss (transportation)
Town Median Housing Structures within Potential Tier II Value 500’ of a major Hazard Loss road (% of total) Stowe $289,600 882 (29%) $12,771,360 A number of HAZMAT sites are located within one mile of the center of Stowe Village. This location
28 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 houses many critical facilities, including the town offices, elderly housing, the EOC and the local elementary school.
It is also important to note that many hazardous materials potentially pass through the two identified High Accident Locations in the town, which are also within 1 mile of the school, EOC, and town offices. Additionally, there are 22 critical facilities in the town (see Appendix C) with 21 of them being within 1,000 feet of a Tier II site. Seven of the critical facilities are impacted by one known hazard and 7 critical facilities that are impacted by 2 known hazards. Known hazards are defined as being within the 100- year floodplain, being within 500 feet of a major road, and being within 1,000 feet of a Tier II site (See Appendix C, Map 3).
Drought Droughts are defines as a water shortage in reference to a need for water in a conceptual supply and demand relationship. It is difficult to monitor because it develops slowly, and the effects can linger long after the drought has ended.
There are four types of drought: Meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socioeconomic. Meteorological drought is a reduction in rainfall from a normal precipitation pattern. The threshold of meteorological drought is roughly less than 2.5 mm of rainfall in 48 hours. Agricultural drought is defined by a deficit of moisture in soil that causes lasting effects on crops and non-natural vegetation. Hydrological drought relates to the decreased of surface or subsurface water supplies. Finally, socioeconomic drought is what happens when the effects of drought start to affect the socioeconomic sector. The costs of goods are affected including water, power, grains, meat, dairy, and more.
Droughts represent a hazard in late summer, when local spring and well levels are reduced to minimal flows. The local water table reached an all-time low during the nationwide drought of 1988; however, recovery was fairly rapid. The most recent recorded drought event in Vermont ended in January 2002 and lasted 4 months. The lowest recorded Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) from that event was - 4.64 in December 2001. The town has no public water reservoirs if private wells go dry. Drought poses risk to the entire community. Rising temperatures from global warming will likely increase the risk of significant droughts in the future.
Tornado Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend to the ground from thunderstorm cells. The most violent cells can generate cyclical winds of 250 mph or more. Even if the funnel cloud does not reach the ground, any associated ground winds above 40 mph can be considered a tornado. Tornado season in Vermont is usually from March through August; however, tornadoes can strike at any time of the year given the right conditions.
Tornadoes are a rare occurrence in Vermont. The state tends to have less than one a year. In Lamoille County there have been three recorded tornadoes between 1950 and 2010; two tornadoes occurred on July 18, 2008 (magnitude EF0), and the other on June 24, 1960 (magnitude unknown). There were no recorded fatalities from any of them and only minor property damage. While Western Vermont develops a number of tornadoes due to the weather coming off of Lake Champlain, Stowe has a relatively low chance to develop tornadoes due to its elevation and distance from the lake.
29 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Extreme Temperatures Extreme Temperatures can include both unusually hot and cold events, both of which can have a significant effect on human health, economic factors, and infrastructure. All seasons may experience extreme temperatures in the form both warm periods and as cold snaps. The definition of “extreme” in this instance is based on the local climate. In Vermont, a heat wave is defined as a period of three or more consecutive days during which the diurnal maximum temperature meets or exceeds 90°F. Prolonged high temperatures can put a significant strain on the power grid, buckle rail lines, and wither crops. In the population, excessive heat threatens heat stroke, cramps, fainting, exhaustion, asthma attacks, heart attacks, stroke, and death. Climate change is expected to bring increasing temperatures to the area in the future. In the case of Stowe, being a mountain resort, increased temperatures could limit snow cover in the winter and significantly affect the local economy negatively.
Extended periods of cold during winters are likely to occur. One of the most prolonged cold episodes lasted from January 18 to February 3, 1969. The temperature remained below 0°F consistently and water mains around the state burst in record numbers. Other instances include February 1993 and January 1997, both of which were caused by Arctic high-pressure systems. Cold weather, too, has the possibility to devastate agricultural infrastructure and put a strain on energy resources. In the winter of 2014, there was a period of extreme cold that damaged nearly 50 household water pipes in the municipal water system.
3.5 Other Hazards
Invasive Species: The National Invasive Species Council defines an invasive species as one that is non- native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. They overwhelm native species and may force them out completely. Often, invasive species lack food value that native wildlife depends on. Others prey heavily upon native species or out-compete them for food. This can cause serious impacts in both directions of the food chain.
Species such as Japanese knotweed, phragmites, and purple loosestrife can alter soil composition and water tables, and disrupt insect cycles.
Wild/Forest Fire: Wildfires are uncontrolled burning of woodlands, brush, or grasslands. FEMA identifies four categories of wildfires that occur in the United States.
1. Wildfires: Fueled by natural vegetation; typically occur in national forests and parks, where federal agencies are responsible for fire management and suppression. 2. Interface or Intermix Fires: Urban wildfires in which vegetation and the built environment provide fuel. 3. Firestorms: Events of such an extreme intensity that effective suppression is virtually impossible; occur during extreme weather and generally burn until conditions change or the available fuel is exhausted. 4. Prescribed Fires and Prescribed Natural Fires: Fires that are intentionally set or selected natural fires that are allowed to burn for beneficial purposes Wildfires may be a result of naturally occurring influences such as lightning, extreme drought and heat, as well as human influences such as a cigarette butt, poorly extinguished campfire, or a stray spark from railroad tracks. Once a community is threatened, preventing damage to nearby structures is difficult.
30 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Threatened populations should be evacuated for their own safety.
Across much of Vermont, small wildland and brush fires are common, but the probability of a major forest fire is very low. Peak wild fire season is in April, just after spring “green-up.” A second window of wildfire vulnerability typically occurs in early fall. Every town in Vermont has a designated Forest Fire Warden, who receives daily updates from the Division of Forestry during periods of elevated risk. The Division of Forestry also hosts annual Forest Fire Warden trainings at locations throughout the state. The risk of wildfires is most severe in outlying areas of development– away from the town’s major highways– where structures are surrounded by ignitable hard and softwood forests. Though occasional brush fires occur, there has not been a significant wildfire in Vermont in the past 50 years.
Ice Jams: Ice jams occur when heavy rain and warmer temperatures cause snow to melt rapidly. This causes frozen rivers to swell, which in turn breaks the ice on top of the river. These chunks of ice can pile up at choke points along the waterway such as narrow sections, damns, bridges, or other obstructions. This can occur either when the waterway is first freezing (freeze-up jam), but can also be the result of a breakup of ice covers (breakup jam).
While no significant ice jam has been recorded in Stowe since at least 1993, the possibility for flooding due to an ice jam in the Little River still remains.
Rock Cuts: Many of Vermont’s highways required significant rock cuts as part of their construction to traverse the State’s mountainous topography. Some of these slopes can be unstable due to uncontrolled blasting techniques, and even those slopes created using newer, pre-split, blasting techniques deteriorate over time due to Vermont’s frequent winter freeze-thaw cycles. Just like any other human construction, rock cuts require maintenance to allow them to perform as designed. In 2007, VTrans completed the Rockfall Hazard Rating of Rock Cuts on U.S. and State Highways in Vermont (Eliassen and Springston, 2007) report. In this report, one significant (A ranked) rock cut was identified in Stowe at mile 2.84 of VT Rte. 100.
Infectious Diseases: This constitutes a widespread outbreak caused by a variety of organisms, typically including bacteria, protozoan, fungi, or viruses that enter the body and grow there. Some of these diseases return seasonally and therefor require continuous monitoring. An epidemic emerges when an infectious disease occurs suddenly and exceeds the normally expected number of cases. This threat is a danger primarily to emergency responders, healthcare providers, and schools, but is often present in the general population as well.
Influenza returns yearly as a possible threat, although there has not been a serious outbreak in Vermont in recent history. However, more serious strains of flu may occur in an upcoming year that vaccines might not be prepared for. There are many other diseases such as HIV/AIDS, SARS, cholera, malaria, and antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis that are major problems elsewhere, but are not prevalent here. Illnesses that are present in Lamoille County include Pertussis, Giardia, Salmonella, and Lyme disease. All these illnesses are present at normal levels. Some possible outbreaks that could occur in Stowe could involve a contaminated water supply, widespread food supply contamination, large-scale livestock outbreaks, or a bio-terrorist act. While climate change has not yet been directly linked to an increase in infectious disease cases, there is a speculated connection.
Earthquakes: According to the United States Geological Service (USGS) and earthquake occurs when two blocks of the Earth suddenly slip past one another. The surface where they slip is called the fault or 31 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 fault plane. The location below the Earth’s surface where the earthquake starts is called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the Earth is called the epicenter.
The risk of earthquakes in Vermont and much of northern New England is rated moderate, compared with the high risk attributed to much of the West Coast and lower-Midwest. Lamoille County has not experienced any property damage or loss of life attributed to an earthquake in its history.
Hail Storm: With Vermont’s variable weather patterns, hail is a four-season threat to both public and private property. While the likelihood of a severe hail storm is low, smaller storms may damage homes and automobiles. Hailstorms pose risk to the entire community
Hail is a form of precipitation composed of spherical lumps of ice. They range from 5-50 mm in diameter on average, though they can be much larger. The size of a hailstone is directly proportional to the severity of the thunderstorm that produces them. Hailstorms generally occur between June and September, when the worst thunderstorms generally happen. Most storms produce hailstones between the size of a penny and a golf ball, though there are occasional storms that produce hail the size tennis balls or larger.
Although hailstorms are infrequent, Vermont is very susceptible to hail damage. Vermont’s economy is predominately agrarian. There is very little that can be done to protect crops growing in fields, so much of the mitigation surrounding hailstorms are focused on response and recovery. While most of the threat from hail is directed towards agriculture, other parts of the economy me be affected. For example, if fields growing livestock feed are damaged, that causes feed to be more expensive. In return, dairy products and meat get more expensive. These effects can have wide reaching effects across the local economy.
Terrorism: Terrorism, as defined in the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 25.2, is “The unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.” It can range in scale from large events such as the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing of 1995 or the attacks on the World Trade Center to much smaller events such as a shooting, car bomb, or tampering with the agricultural supply system.
DEMHS and the Vermont State Police conducted a risk/threat assessment of potential weapons of mass destruction attacks in 2000. No known or suspected terrorists were found in Vermont at the time, and the probability of a large-scale attack was found to be very low due to a lack of high profile targets. However, small scale attacks may still occur. The mountain resorts in Stowe have the potential to be targeted due to the high traffic flow through town and their function as a tourist destination.
Nuclear Power Plant Failure: This refers to the release of radioactive material at a commercial power plant or nuclear facility large enough to constitute a threat to the health and safety of the off-site population. Only a few instances of major failure involving a core meltdown have occurred. The list includes the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station (Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania, U.S.), Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (Pripyat, Ukraine, Soviet Union) and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (Ōkuma, Fukushima, Japan). The only nuclear reactor present in Vermont is the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station located in Vernon and owned by Entergy Corporation. While the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates the plants, FEMA is tasked with evaluating sites and assisting state and local agencies in efforts to respond to any accident that might happen at a nuclear plant.
32 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Entergy has begun the process of decommissioning the reactor at the Vermont Yankee plant beginning on December 29, 2014. The nuclear material, now located in a spent fuel pool, is scheduled to be moved to dry cask storage by 2021. The probability of an emergency at Vermont Yankee is considered extremely low, and Stowe is located well outside of the 10 mile Emergency Planning Zone established by the Radiological Emergency Response Plan Program (a section of DEMHS). There is no significant risk to the town of Stowe posed by Entergy’s power facility.
3.6 Climate Change Consideration
Climate change is always present when considering possible hazards, and mitigation strategies and actions. However, planning for it can be difficult. The hazards listed above are categorized based on their current probability and extent, but the potential threat they pose may not remain static. Climate change is likely to cause several of these hazards to increase in severity including drought, extreme temperatures, flooding, severe thunderstorms, tornados, hurricanes/tropical storms, wildfires, diseases, and invasive species. Table XII, found in Appendix C, identifies whether each hazard is likely to increase in severity or frequency or not.
As the effects of climate change become more pronounced; precipitation patterns will alter hydrology and water availability in the area. Frequency and severity of flood inundation, flash flooding, fluvial erosion, and landslide hazards are likely to increase. As river and stream banks erode further, they will encroach further towards buildings and other property. During the winter months, increased temperature and more frequent rain events may increase the chance of ice jams that lead to flooding. The information currently available cannot accurately predict the occurrences of ice jams.
In relation to increased rainfall and a greater frequency of flooding events, water quality is likely to be negatively affected by climate change. A higher inflow of water into lakes and streams increases phosphorus levels which eventually lead to blooms of blue-green algae, which are toxic to animals and people. Warmer temperatures further contribute to increased algae blooms.
The Vermont Department of Health has stated that there is speculation about possible connection between climate change and a number of emerging infectious diseases such as eastern equine encephalitis, West Nile virus, Zika, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis, as well as disease vectors. However, occurrence of these diseases or their vectors in Vermont has not been conclusively linked to climate change. Flooding may also lead to increased mold problems, and other water-borne diseases, as well as providing more spawning locations for mosquitoes.
Wildfires and forest fires could occur more often as temperatures rise. Invasive species, though of little to no threat now, may become a significant threat to both the agricultural and tourism industry of Stowe. Kudzu, known as “the vine that ate the South”, has been kept at bay due to cold winters, but if temperatures increase, kudzu and other creeping plants could spread across Vermont’s mountains and kill much of the local vegetation. It is predicted that plants like kudzu will likely have a foothold in New England by 2100. (Bradley, Wilcove, Oppenheimer 2009)
The Town of Stowe will research average temperatures and precipitation to judge how to categorize potential hazards in future updates.
3.7 Secondary Effects of Significant Hazards
33 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 Each of the above hazards has been identified as primary hazards, but each primary hazard identified also has the potential to produce secondary effects. For example, a hurricane or tropical storm may create severe thunderstorms which in turn may produce tornadoes and hail. Droughts increase the likelihood of wildfires and commodity shortages. Table X found in Appendix C. lists in full the secondary effects of all the identified primary hazards.
4. Mitigation Goals
4.1 Town of Stowe Hazard Mitigation Goals
The following goals were evaluated and re-affirmed in 2016 by the local community as valid and effective:
Provide the technical support for, and aid in the development of implementation mechanisms at the local level that will serve to avoid land use investments that would be over time endangered by, incompatible or in conflict with fluvial adjustment, erosion processes and landslides. Encourage efforts to include hazard mitigation strategies in municipal documents and planning projects to increase the effectiveness of mitigation efforts. Continue to work with the Lamoille County Planning Commission in implementing hazard mitigation goals for the community; limiting the damage caused by potential disasters.
4.2 Planning and Development Guidelines Supporting Hazard Mitigation
The Town of Stowe is committed to furthering mitigation efforts and keeping its citizens safe. Stowe will continue to research areas for improvement in its infrastructure and enforce its policies regarding hazard mitigation. The Town will continue to revisit hazard mitigation policies and programs as new information is acquired regarding town priorities. The Town of Stowe has a robust capital budgeting process. Local tax revenue, meals tax, and alcohol tax generate approximately $800,000 annually. The Town of Stowe has experienced full-time staff to assist with implementing hazard mitigation goals and projects including a Planning Director, Public Works Director, Assistant Town Engineer, Town Manager, Town Clerk, Road Foreman, Fire Chief and Police Chief. Stowe also has a dedicated Emergency Management Director and volunteer boards (Selectboard, Planning Commission, Conservation Commission, etc…) to guide mitigation efforts. The Town has prioritized projects and documented a timeline for implementing hazard mitigation action items (See Appendix B, Table IX).
The current Stowe Town Plan was adopted on June 8, 2015. The town integrates hazard mitigation planning efforts through its Town Plan goals and policies. The recent 2015 Town Plan update included the addition of a Flood Resiliency Chapter. Goals, policies, and actions in the Town Plan update incorporated mitigation priorities identified in the single jurisdiction Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Stowe also has adopted zoning regulations, which incorporate flood hazard regulations designed to protect life and property from flood inundation. In addition, Stowe was the first town in the state of Vermont to adopt a permanent fluvial erosion hazard overlay district into its zoning regulations, limiting development not only within the mapped floodplain with a 1% annual chance flood event, but also within lands subject to bank erosion (based upon fluvial erosion hazard assessments by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources). To date, it is the only municipality in Lamoille County to adopt fluvial erosion hazard regulations. The following hazard mitigation goals were integrated into the Stowe Town Plan to further guide mitigation efforts. 34 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016
Primary Town Plan goals that support hazard mitigation are: To ensure the public’s safety by providing a high level of police, fire and rescue services in an efficient and cost effective manner Continue to replace undersized water mains when possible to improve firefighting capabilities Review existing emergency service and emergency response standards included in local land use and development regulations (e.g. subdivision regulations) and make revisions as appropriate to ensure that adequate fire protection facilities (hydrants, water supplies) and provision for emergency vehicle access are required for new development Work with the Lamoille County Planning commission (LCPC) to coordinate emergency planning with neighboring communities. Provide an efficient, cost effective, multi-modal transportation network that provides for the needs of Stowe’s residents and visitors Provide and maintain a high quality public water supply to areas of concentrated development, and the protection of public and private groundwater quality throughout the town Requiring that runoff and erosion are adequately controlled during all stages of development through the town’s zoning and subdivision regulations Restricting development in the Flood Hazard and Fluvial Erosion Hazard districts primarily to recreation and agricultural land uses, with the exception of those activities related to the maintenance and continued use of existing structures Continued administration of the Town’s flood hazard regulations, to be updated as needed to maintain eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program Continued administration of the town’s Fluvial Erosion Hazard Overlay District to limit development in erosion-prone areas. Review other town planning documents and incorporate hazard mitigation elements where appropriate. To limit undue adverse impacts to properties, public infrastructure and public safety as a result of flooding and erosion during high water events.
5. Mitigation Strategies
5.1 Completion of Past Mitigation Actions and Changes in Mitigation Strategies/Priorities
Since the adoption of the original Stowe Hazard Mitigation Plan in 2006, the Town has taken several actions and implemented numerous mitigation projects to reduce the long-term and reoccurring risk of storm and flood damage. These projects include but are not limited to: adopting Fluvial Erosion and Flood Hazard regulations; adopting the 2011 VTrans Code and Bridge Standards; up sizing culverts on Stagecoach Rd, North Hollow Rd and Cemetery Rd; rehabilitating a storm culvert on Luce Hill Road and Cape Cod Road; stabilizing slopes along River Road and Barrows Road, addressing exposed sewer mains near the Stowe Recreation Path; installing rip rap along banks of the Little River near the Stowe Recreation Path; relocating a section of the Recreation Path outside the Fluvial Erosion Hazard Zone; obtaining three river corridor property easements along the Little River ; adding a Flood Resiliency element to the Town Plan, working with LCPC to conduct an updated culvert inventory; conducting a Fluvial Erosion Hazards Assessment; and making structural repairs to the foundation of five bridges (Stowe Hollow Rd, Weeks Hill, Ranch Brook Rd, Luce Hill, Nebraska Valley Rd); and eliminating a sub aqueous water main crossing at the Public Safety Building and Wastewater Treatment Plant.
35 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 While these projects represent direct mitigation actions it is important to recognize the indirect planning and growth management strategies taken in the past that have also reduced the long-term risk of hazards in Stowe. These strategies include limiting clear cutting in subdivision regulations and reducing logging along ridgelines through the development of the 1998 Ridgeline Overlay District. While the District may have been created for visibility purposes, it maintains upland tree coverage and provides a windbreak for ridgeline properties as well as reduces erosion issues and floodplain runoff.
In the past few years the Town of Stowe has modified their approach to infrastructure improvements by considering the size of the watershed in which projects fall. Recently acquired river corridor easements along the Little River including a floodplain access easement on Kaiser Farm off Route 100 in Lower Stowe Village, is a testament to this new approach and consideration for downstream impacts. Over the years, the bigger picture mitigation priorities have remained the same such as protecting life, property, and public infrastructure. Since the adoption of the 2015 Stowe Annex, priority mitigation actions have been further refined and specified based on local input from town officials and recent infrastructure inventory findings. New mitigation actions were prioritized in the single jurisdiction plan placing more emphasis on emergency response coordination and preparedness. For example, these actions include developing evacuation plans, consulting with ANR on dam inspections, and securing funding for generators to install at the back-up Emergency Shelter, Water Treatment Plant and Pump Stations.
5.2 Existing Hazard Mitigation Programs, Projects and Activities
The following is a list of anticipated or recently completed mitigation programs, projects, or activities in the Town of Stowe. Notes for each section describe the completed, deleted or deferred mitigation action as a benchmark for progress; if activities are unchanged, a description has been provided as to why no changes occurred or are not necessary.
Community Preparedness Activities Adopted and maintain an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Completed. Stowe annually adopts a Local Emergency Operations Plan in accordance with DEMHS’ requirements. Support mission and maintain members in the Lamoille County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Deferred. The Lamoille County CERT team is currently inactive, due to low membership. Ensure procedures are in place for rapid evacuation of essential facilities. Met target 100% as planned. Evacuation procedures created and implemented for all Town facilities and schools. The New EOC has an evacuation plan. Review and study the need for additional foam capability by the Fire Department to minimize the extent of a HAZMAT incident. Complete. Fire Dept. has foam capability and will be maintained. Integrate additional mitigation measures in local land use planning and ordinance development processes. Stowe is currently in the process of updating its town, maintains zoning and subdivision regulations (2012), and is the only town in Lamoille County to have adopted a fluvial erosion hazard zone.
Financial and Tax Incentives Annual investment of local tax dollars in highway mitigation projects. In Progress. The town budgets road improvements in the annual highway department budget and bridge and culvert improvements in its capital budget. Stowe increased the FY17 budget for stormwater management/culverts by $50,000. The Town expects to maintain this level of increased funding to address 36 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 increased stormwater system regulations and performance requirements. Use of State and Federal funding for mitigation projects and activities. In 2016, Stowe completed the West Branch Restoration Project. This project was funded by a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a $400,000 Vermont Ecosystem Restoration Grant, and local match from the Town of Stowe.
Hazard Control and Protective Works Develop a Highway Maintenance Program (culvert survey and appropriate upsizing, ditching along roadways, cutting vegetation to allow visibility at intersections). In Progress. Maintenance priorities are dictated by local needs and budget considerations.
Land Use Planning/Management Most recent Municipal Development Plan adopted June 8, 2015 Addition of Flood Resiliency Element to the Stowe Town Plan adopted June 8, 2015 Flood hazard regulations originally adopted into the Town’s zoning regulations on June 3, 1995, subsequently updated on June 23, 2008 and June, 2012. Fluvial Erosion Hazard Overlay District adopted into the Town’s zoning regulations on June 23, 2008. West Branch Corridor Management Plan completed in 2004. Little River Corridor Management Plan completed in 2009.
Protection/Retrofit of Infrastructure and Critical Facilities Mapping of Critical and Essential Facilities. In progress. LCPC finished an update of its database of critical facilities in Lamoille County in 2012. Water supply and waste water facilities will be updated by the ANR. Data will be continually updated as needed.
Public Awareness, Training & Education Hazard Identification and Mapping. Completed as part of the development of this plan. Institute an Emergency Preparedness Education Program in the schools. Met target 100% as planned. Stowe Elementary participated in emergency planning in 2008 and both Stowe Middle and High School have emergency plans, which are reviewed by the Principals and EMD annually. Both the Stowe Middle and High School also have an exercise to secure the building each year, in addition to regular fire and evacuation drills. Support Family and Community Disaster Preparedness (LEPC) Deferred from last planning cycle. Progress was made on emergency preparedness planning to address local educational institutions and special populations. In this planning cycle efforts will focus on community notification of evacuation plans and mitigation resources. Free, FEMA supported resources and pamphlets will be distributed at the municipal offices, schools, and through the LEPC. Collaborate with American Red Cross chapter to assist with community education programs and shelter agreements. Distribute FireWise information during peak wild fire season. Deferred. LCPC has previously assisted communities with wild fire protection planning and is available to work with the town on disseminating this information during future wildfire seasons.
Public Protection Survey and designation of shelter(s). Complete. Auxiliary Power for Elementary School Shelter. Deferred Action. Lack of financial support on this 37 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 issue resulted on no progress being made. Efforts will be made in the current planning cycle to complete this task. Review and modify evacuation and sheltering plans based on the results of drills and exercises or procedures implemented in an actual incident, share results with community. Met target 80% as planned. Efforts will continue following planned drills and spring exercises by LEPC. Work with local and regional providers to develop informational database on special needs populations and elderly residents. In progress. The United Way of Lamoille County and Lamoille County Sheriff’s Department have engaged in a joint effort to map and maintain a database of special needs populations for all of Lamoille County.
Science and Technology Stream Geomorphic Assessments: Phase 1 and Phase 2 assessments along with a River Corridor Management Plan have been completed on the Little River and the West Branch Mainstem. Project Identification and Municipal Outreach occurred during this past planning cycle and the Town is actively involved in implementing projects identified in the River Corridor Management Plan on Little River. In progress. LCPC will continue to assist the town with project implementation. Fluvial Geomorphic and Erosion Hazard Assessment to evaluate erosion potential in Stowe. Complete. A Fluvial Erosion Hazard (FEH) Risk Assessment and Map was developed for the West Branch Mainstem and the Town adopted an FEH Overlay Planning District along the West Branch Mainstem. Annually, review the Stowe Culvert inventory and scour critical bridges to prioritize and perform maintenance and repair while recording progress in implementation. Met target 100% as planned. Town has made annual progress (replacements plus maintenance) during last cycle and will continue with assistance from RPC. Proper maintenance is imperative to the preservation of culvert and bridge integrity and the working condition of Stowe’s transportation infrastructure. Work with the Lamoille County Transportation Advisory Committee to prioritize the replacement or retrofit of the Luce Hill Bridge in the VTrans capital program. In progress. VTrans has determined that the bridge warrants scour concern. Rehabilitate 8 foot stormwater culvert on Luce Hill Road that has failed (bottom has corroded out) to mitigate potential flooding hazards from runoff generated from Trapp Hill Road. The outlet of the new structure will require an energy dissipation device to eliminate erosion at the outlet. Complete. Rehabilitate a 6x8 metal arch culvert under Cape Cod Road to mitigate potential flooding hazards from runoff. Complete. Replace 48-60” culvert on Cemetery Road and repair sink holds in roadway. Complete. Replace 48" culvert on Stowe Hollow Road. Complete. Replace 60" culvert on Sanborn Road. Complete. Replace 48” culvert on Dewey Hill Rd., which is severely corroded. In progress. Town will be replacing this culvert in the current planning cycle. Replace 24” culvert on North Rd., which is also severely corroded. Complete. Reconstruct the Police, Fire, and Rescue facilities to more adequately meet the needs of the growing community. Complete. New EOC/Fire/Emergency facility construction finished and opened summer 2010. Armor and stabilize the bank of the West Branch of the Little River along the Stowe Recreation Path, increase floodplain access/establish a floodplain bench, and relocate the path near Bridge 7 out of the Fluvial Erosion Hazard area, to reduce erosion and mitigate future repairs to this part of the Path that is repeatedly damaged. Complete. Address exposed sewer mains near the Stowe Recreation Path. Complete. Secure funding for generators to ensure adequate backup power is available to elementary 38 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 school shelter. Deferred due to lack of funding for this action. Efforts will be made in the current planning cycle to complete this task. Provide more emergency equipment and early warning systems for population of villages. Complete. New EOC has state of the art equipment and warning siren. Secure funding for emergency generators to ensure adequate backup power at Water Source/Treatment facilities and Pumping Stations to mitigate risk to the community during storm events. Deferred due to lack of funding for this action. Efforts will be made in future planning cycles to complete this task.
Ongoing Actions That Support Mitigation
Community Preparedness Activities Participation at Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meetings and activities. Met target 100% as planned. Stowe’s EMD is the Vice-Chair of the LEPC 11. Ensure that all emergency response and management personnel receive HAZMAT Awareness training as a minimum. Ongoing action by each department and will be continued through next planning cycle. Continue to train public officials and local responders in the use of the Incident Command System. Met target 100% as planned. Stowe will complete DEMHS/VT DHS annual NIMS training survey to benchmark training progress. Continue to enhance training of the Emergency Management Director (EMD). Met target 100% as planned. EMD has taken several required courses for Emergency Management Director Certification program. Continue to emphasize community development practices to minimalize risk of damage or injury due to potential hazards. Stowe has spent considerable time planning and mapping flood hazard districts and specific land use zoning sectors that allow the town to grow responsibly and safely.
Insurance Programs Participation in NFIP. Met target 100% as planned.
Public Protection Hazard Vulnerability Assessments. Ongoing assessments following exercises and real events.
5.3 Identified Hazard Mitigation Programs, Projects and Activities
The following identified programs, projects and activities are new and/or planned for the Town of Stowe. In Stowe, the major concern is the impact of serious flooding and a snow, wind or ice storm incident where power may be out and transportation routes to the town would be impacted, effectively leaving the general public and special needs populations at risk due to delayed response time. Highway accidents and mass casualty incidents are also of concern.
Record significant changes in environmental conditions, development, demographics, and socio- economic brackets within Stowe Conduct municipal outreach and education about fluvial erosion hazards on the West Branch and Little River. Conduct annual review of the Stowe Culvert Inventory and scour critical bridges to assess need
39 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 and perform maintenance and/or replacement. Secure funding for back-up generator for school shelter and water treatment and pumping facilities. Develop an evacuation plan for Stowe Village, existing and back-up EOCs, and Stowe Mountain Resort. Mitigate slope failures on Barrows Road and River Road. Completed on Barrows Road. River Road project scheduled for implementation 2016 to 2017. Amend Flood Hazard Regulations to prohibit development in the floodplain with a 1% annual chance flood event Continue to obtain river corridor property easements along the Little River in the lower village. Reconstruct Bridge 57 on Luce Hill Road to provide an adequate hydraulic opening to mitigate flood hazards and streambed and stream bank erosion. Remove culvert on Bryan Road near North Hollow Rd and construct a bridge in its place to prevent road washouts. The culvert is currently undersized and overtops. Replace 48” culvert on Dewey Hill Rd., which is severely corroded. In progress. Town will be replacing this culvert in the current planning cycle. Consult with ANR to evaluate the structural integrity of dams in Stowe and promote the implementation of any necessary upgrades or drainage measures. Produce detailed maps of locations near private dams to allow first responders to respond effectively to potential dam failures. Develop teams and coordinate EOC response including electric and road crew coordination. Secure funding to upgrade undersized water mains to improve firefighting capabilities. The old 4” water main should be upgraded to an 8” minimum along South Main Street from Pallisades Road to Cliff Street, and the 4" distribution main (and size of water storage tank) for the Lower Village Water System needs to be upsized. Consider regulatory changes to reflect current State procedures and to strengthen new development against potential damage from hazards identified in this plan. Support property acquisitions and buy-outs for properties in the floodplain with a 1% chance flood event and/or repetitive loss structures. Encourage new renovations and construction projects to include measures to brace buildings for hail impacts including laminated glass in windows, hail-resistant roofing and siding, and improved roof sheathing to prevent hail penetration. Consider developing triggers for drought-related actions, and developing a drought communication plan to facilitate timely communication of relevant information. Continue educating farmers in crop rotation, contour farming and cover crops to preserve soils and prevent evaporation. Regulate development in wildfire hazard areas through land use planning. Educate homeowners and builders on how to protect pipes from extreme cold. For extreme heat, plan for shading around parking lots and using cool roofing products that reflect sunlight. 40 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 5.4 Priority Hazard Mitigation Actions
In 2004, a section of the Stowe Recreation Path upstream from the Luce Hill Rd. Bridge was replaced after a heavy rainstorm eroded the bank of the West Branch River.
For specific priority mitigation actions to address primary threats to the Town of Stowe including flood inundation, flash flooding, dam failure, windstorms and winter snow or ice storms please see Appendices A and B. Appendix A represents an evaluation of proposed mitigation actions based on: the likeliness of obtaining funding, ease of implementation, ability to protect threatened infrastructure, feasibility of a project, cost benefit, social acceptance and whether a project is considered environmentally sound.
Appendix B lists priority mitigation actions, an implementation timeline, hazards in which the Town aims to address, and town priority ranking. The town priority ranking is based on a number of factors including 1) their impact to mitigate loss of life, property and infrastructure, 2) the role it plays in general public safety, 3) the tentative timing of planning activities, and 4) community support. Town priority ranking factors were established by local Town Officials including the Planning Director, Public Works Director, and Emergency Management Director. When it comes to public safety, emergency preparedness actions such as installing backup generators in emergency shelters and water treatment facilities as well as developing clear evacuation plans play a key role in reducing the loss of lives during hazardous events. These emergency preparedness actions allow Stowe residents to be directed to safety and ensure critical life support supplies are available such as municipal water, food, heat and electricity.
Additionally, ensuring current infrastructure such as culverts, bridges and dams are structurally sound and functioning properly play a primary role in mitigating the impacts to property damage and people’s lives during major storm events. Failure of culverts, bridges, and dams in Stowe could cause significant structural damage downstream as well as potential isolation of residents and loss of lives. Aside from structural infrastructure upgrades and direct emergency response equipment and materials, the Town of Stowe has prioritized various planning projects and studies in an effort to mitigate the impacts of future hazardous events. These priority planning activities include but are not limited to, projects such as amending Flood Hazard Regulations to prohibit development in the floodplain with a 1% annual chance flood event, obtaining river corridor property easements, mapping residential and commercial areas surrounding dams, and conducting Fluvial Erosion Assessments. It is important to recognize that many of these planning studies both directly and indirectly mitigate multiple threats to the community. For instance, prohibiting further development in the 100-year floodplain will directly reduce the impact/level of structural damage caused by future flooding. It also sustains existing tree canopy coverage and provides a windshield for certain structures.
Mitigating the risk of damage to public infrastructure, property, and loss of life is key to sustaining Stowe’s thriving tourist economy. Economic considerations as described in section 3.3 are an underlining driving factor in prioritized mitigation actions. Improvements to public infrastructure and ensuring public safety is key to the movement of tourist and dollars spent in the community. Implementing these mitigation strategies will allow the Town of Stowe to continue to provide a desirable visitor experience.
41 Stowe Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2016 6. Appendices
6.1 Appendix A. Stowe Action Evaluation and Prioritization Matrix
Table VIII. Action Evaluation and Prioritization Matrix 5 = Excellent 4 = Good 3 = Average 2 = below average (or unknown) 1 = poor
h o s Re
y
i
l
a h r
g
ng
za
i
s
n
d
ly ly
ck
p l
d
i i
i e
gh ri gh
fi
rd
o
n
t to
u
n
y
ly
l
c
n
s
ica e l
a
t
d
o
a
it
nt (l
ve
l
d q d
c
s
i
sk
RE
e
ture
of fuof
ea nt
to to
e
y
c
l
e
e
)
O
l
d l
nt
l
ike b
trat
/ Po /
o Mitigation Action b
e
a
s
tru
i
ca
a
t thr
o
y
le nm
i n
s
tic
l
t
m
ly
n
l
h
b
fit
- n i o
i
i
p
is
ec
l a
le
l e
iro
nd
a
i
h
m
p
a as
n v
c
u
fr
e
ec
eas
ike
o
m
n
L Prot i I So acce T F Ad Re Re b En s SC TOTAL Reconstruct Bridge 57 on Luce Hill Road to provide an adequate hydraulic opening to mitigate flood hazards and streambed and stream bank 5 2 5 2 3 4 4 3 5 33 erosion. Bridge has been severely damaged and repaired multiple times due to restricted passage. Continue Fluvial Geomorphic and Erosion Hazard Assessment through project identification/municipal outreach and implement priority assessment erosion control measures. Develop mitigation 4 4 4 3 4 3 4 3 5 34 strategies and actions from project identification. Replace 48” culvert on Dewey Hill Road, which is severely corroded and causes blockage of water 5 4 5 4 5 5 5 5 5 43 Conduct annual review of the Stowe Culvert Inventory and scour critical bridges to assess need and perform maintenance and/or 5 5 5 3 5 5 5 4 4 41 replacement Secure funding for back-up generators and install at the Stowe Water Treatment Plant, Pump Stations, and back-up emergency shelter 5 3 3 4 5 4 4 4 3 35
Develop an evacuation plan for Stowe Village/Lower Village, Town EOCs and Stowe Mountain Resort. Back up EOCs should be located out of the Flood Hazard Area. Coordinate traffic control 3 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 28 between Town and resort.
Develop teams and coordinate EOC response including electric and road crew coordination during hazardous events to improve response times and mitigate property/ infrastructure damage and improve 3 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 3 29 road safety conditions. Produce detailed maps of locations near private dams to allow first responders to respond effectively to potential dam failures 4 4 2 3 4 5 4 4 3 33 Consult with ANR to evaluate the structural integrity of Stowe dams (Lake Mansfield, Stowe Mountain Resort and Moscow Mills) and promote the 3 2 5 3 3 3 3 4 2 28 implementation of necessary dam upgrades or drainage measures. Assess and mitigate slope failures on River Road. 5 3 5 3 4 3 3 2 3 31 Secure funding to upgrade undersized water mains to improve firefighting capabilities. The old 4” water main should be upgraded to an 8” minimum 3 3 5 2 4 2 3 3 3 28 along South Main Street from Pallisades Road to Cliff Street, and the 4" distribution main (and size of water storage tank) for the Lower Village Water System needs to be upsized. Amend Stowe Flood Hazard Regulations to prohibit development within the floodplain with a 1% annual chance flood event and strengthen 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 5 35 standards. Continue to obtain River Corridor property easements along the Little River in the lower village to reduce flooding and stream bank 5 3 4 3 3 4 4 4 5 35 erosion Public Awareness of hazards: improve advance warning notice of severe storms, proper fuel-burning equipment storage, severe weather driver education, earthquake awareness materials, and 3 3 2 4 4 4 3 3 5 31 distribute severe traveler emergency preparedness materials Consider and amend, if feasible, zoning updates to conform to changes in Vermont River Corridor Protection procedures and upgrade standards for burying power lines, roof loads for snow, and other 4 4 4 3 1 5 4 2 5 32 weather-related changes Support property acquisitions and buy-outs for properties in the 100-year floodplain and/or repetitive loss structures. 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 4 25
Continue to train emergency response and management personnel on HAZMAT Awareness. 3 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 28
Continue to train public officials and local responders in the use of the Incident Command System. 3 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 28
Continue to enhance training of the Emergency Management Director (EMD). 3 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 28
Review and modify evacuation and sheltering plans based on the results of drills and exercises or procedures implemented in an actual incident, and share the results with community. 3 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 28
Educate homeowners and builders on how to protect pipes from extreme cold. For extreme heat, plan for shading around parking lots and using 3 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 30 cool roofing products that reflect sunlight.
Consider developing triggers for drought-related actions, and developing a drought communication plan to facilitate timely communication of relevant information. 3 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 28
Continue educating farmers in crop rotation, contour farming and cover crops to preserve soils and prevent evaporation. 3 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 28
Regulate development in wildfire hazard areas through land use planning.
3 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 28
6.2 Appendix B. Mitigation Projects Town Prioritization
Table IX. Mitigation Projects Town Prioritization SCHEDULE TOWN HOW (FUNDING SOURCE) HAZARD BEING MITIGATION ACTION WHO (LEADERSHIP) GOAL PRIORITIZATION MITIGATED Reconstruct Bridge 57 on Luce Hill Road to provide an adequate Stowe Public Works 2016-2021 Stowe Capital Budget, hydraulic opening to mitigate flood hazards and streambed and Department 1 VT Agency of Transportation, Flood stream bank erosion. FEMA grants Stowe EMD, Stowe Public 2016-2021 Secure funding for back-up generators and install at the Water Works Department 2 Federal grants, VT DEC Revolving All Treatment Plant and Pump Stations. Loan, DEMHS, Town of Stowe Remove culvert on Bryan Road near North Hollow Rd and construct a Stowe Public Works 2016-2018 Stowe Capital Budget, bridge in its place to prevent road washouts. The culvert is currently Department 3 VT Agency of Transportation, Flood undersized and overtops. FEMA grants Replace 48” culvert on Dewey Hill Road and 24” culvert on North Stowe Public Works 2016-2018 Flood Road, both of which are severely corroded, to allow water to pass Department 4 Town of Stowe Capital Budget through culverts and not cause flooding or road washouts. 2016-2021 Conduct annual review of the Stowe Culvert Inventory and scour Stowe Public Works Stowe work program, LCPC’s critical bridges to assess need and perform maintenance and/or Department, LCPC 5 Transportation Planning funds Flood replacement. Transportation Planner 2016-2017 State/ federal grants; Mitigate slope failures on River Stowe Public Works 6 Town funds; VTrans Flood, Road as determined by an engineer. Department Landslides Develop an evacuation plan for Stowe Village/Lower Village, Stowe EMD, Stowe 2016-2018 Town EOC and Stowe Mountain Resort. Back up EOC and emergency Selectboard, LCPC 7 Stowe annual emergency All shelter should be located out of the Flood Hazard Area. Coordinate Regional Planner, Stowe response appropriations, LEPC, traffic control between Town and Resort. Mountain Resort Public Safety VTrans, private businesses lea d 2016-2019 Secure funding for generator and install at the back-up emergency Stowe EMD, School Board 8 Federal grants, DEMHS, All shelter (currently Stowe Elementary School). Town of Stowe 2016-2019 Consult with ANR to evaluate the structural integrity of Stowe dams Stowe EMD, ANR Rivers ANR grants, Land Owners, Town Flood, Winter (Lake Mansfield, Stowe Mountain Resort and Moscow Mills) and Program, Private Land Owners 9 of Stowe, Federal grants Storms, Dam promote the implementation of necessary dam upgrades or drainage Failure measures.
2016-2019 Produce detailed maps of locations near private dams to allow first Stowe EMD, Stowe Mountain LCPC’s Emergency responders to respond effectively to potential dam failures. Rescue Chief, LCPC GIS Planner 10 management grant Flood, Dam Failure Public Awareness of hazards: improve advance warning notice of 2016-2021, severe storms, proper fuel-burning equipment storage, severe Stowe Town Planner, Stowe annually at FEMA materials, LEPC weather driver education, earthquake awareness materials, and EMD, LCPC Regional Planner Town 11 11 All distribute severe traveler emergency preparedness materials. Meeting Develop teams and coordinate EOC response including electric and 2016-2021 road crew coordination during hazardous events to improve response Stowe EMD; Stowe Public Stowe Fire Department, Stowe times and mitigate property/ infrastructure damage and improve Works Department 12 EMS All road safety conditions. 2016-2019 Implement priority erosion control measures from the latest Fluvial LCPC GIS Planner; ANR Rivers Geomorphic and Erosion Hazard Assessment. Program; Stowe Town Planner 13 State and Federal Grants, Flood, VTrans, ANR,FEMA Landslides Secure funding to upgrade undersized water mains to improve Stowe Fire Department, Stowe 2016-2021 firefighting capabilities. The old 4” water main should be upgraded to Fire District 3, Public Works 14 Rural Wildfire Protection Wild Fires, an 8” minimum along South Main Street from Pallisades Road to Cliff Department, LCPC Program, VT DEC Revolving Loan, structure Fires Street, and the 4" distribution main (and size of water storage tank) FEMA, DEMHS for the Lower Village Water System needs to be upsized. 2016-2021 Town of Stowe, VT Agency of Consider Amending Stowe Flood Hazard Regulations to prohibit Commerce and Community development within the floodplain with a 1% annual chance flood Stowe Town Planner 15 Development grant Flood event. 2016-2021 Continue to obtain River Corridor property easements along the Little Stowe Town Planner, Stowe Town of Stowe, VT ANR, Stowe River in the lower village to reduce flooding and stream bank erosion. Land Trust 16 Land Trust fundraising Flood
Consider and amend, if feasible, zoning updates to conform to 2016-2021 changes in Vermont River Corridor Protection procedures and, Stowe Town Planner, Stowe Incorporate as part of regular Flood, Snow upgrade new construction/renovation standards for burying power Planning Commission 17 updates Storm, lines, roof load capacity for snow, and other weather-related Windstorm, changes. Power Outage
Support property acquisitions and buy-outs for properties in the 100- Stowe Selectboard, property 2016-2021 Flood year floodplain and/or repetitive loss structures. owners 18 FEMA HMGP, property owners
Continue to train emergency response and management personnel Stowe EMD, Stowe Fire 2016-2021 on HAZMAT Awareness. Department, VT HAZMAT 19 DEMHS, Town of Stowe Hazardous Team, DEMHS materials spill
Continue to train public officials and local responders in the use of DEMHS, Stowe EMD 2016-2021 the Incident Command System. 20 DEMHS, LCPC, LEPC All
Continue to enhance training of the Emergency Management Director Stowe EMD 2016-2021 (EMD). 21 Town of Stowe, DEMHS, LEPC All
Review and modify evacuation and sheltering plans based on the Stowe, EMD, Stowe 2016-2021 results of drills and exercises or procedures implemented in an actual Selectboard 22 Town of Stowe, DEMHS, American All incident, and share the results with the community. Red Cross
Educate homeowners and builders on how to protect pipes from Stowe Public Works 2016-2021 extreme cold. For extreme heat, plan for shading around parking lots Department, Stowe EMD, 23 Town of Stowe, DEMHS, LCPC Extreme and using cool roofing products that reflect sunlight. DEMHS, LEPC#11 Temperatures
Consider developing triggers for drought-related actions, and Stowe EMD, LCPC, LEPC#11, 2016-2021 developing a drought communication plan to facilitate timely DEMHS 24 Town of Stowe, ANR, NRCS Drought communication of relevant information.
Continue educating farmers in crop rotation, contour farming and Stowe Conservation 2016-2021 cover crops to preserve soils and prevent evaporation. Commission, NRCS 25 Town of Stowe, NRCS Drought, Flood
Regulate development in wildfire hazard areas through land use Stowe Planning Department, 2016-2021 planning. Conservation Commission, 26 Town of Stowe, ANR Wild Fires, Development Review Board structure Fires
6.3 Appendix C. Additional Hazard Tables
Table X. Secondary Effects of Significant Hazards Secondary Effects of Hazards Community Possible Hazard Structural Utility Chemical Commodity Emergency Structural CO Dam Vulnerability/Risk Erosion Mold Disease Flooding Landslide Tornado Wildfire Damage Outage Release/Spill Shortage Comms. Fire Poisoning Failure
Flooding and Flash Floods High X X X X X X X X X
Winter Storm/Ice Storm High X X X X X X
Windstorms, incl. Hurricanes High X X X X X X X X X X X X and Tropical Storms
Dam Failures High X X X X X X X X X
Severe Thunderstorms Moderate X X X X X X
Major Highway and Railroad Moderate X X X Accidents
Structure Fire Moderate X X X X
Landslide/Rockslide/Embank- Moderate X X X ment Failure
Hazardous Materials Spill Moderate
Drought Moderate X X
Tornado Moderate X X X X X X
Extreme Temperatures Moderate X X X
Invasive Species Low X
Major Wildfire/Forest Fire Low X X X X
Ice Jam Low X X X
Rock Cuts Low X X
Infectious Disease Outbreak Low X X
Earthquake Low X X X X X X X X X
Major Hailstorm Low X X
Terrorism Low X X X X X X X X
Nuclear Power Plant Failure Low X X
Table XI. Type of Damage Inflicted by Significant Hazards Damage Catagories Economic Damages Infrastruture Damagees Natural Resource Damage Community Water Scenic Soil Possible Hazard Tourism Agriculture Property Transportation Power Communication Vulnerability/Risk Resources Resources Resources
Flooding and Flash Floods High X X X X X X X X X
Winter Storm/Ice Storm High X X X X X X X
Windstorms, incl. Hurricanes High X X X X X X X X and Tropical Storms
Dam Failures High X X X X X X X X X
Severe Thunderstorms Moderate X X X X X X X X
Major Highway and Railroad Moderate X X X X X Accidents
Structure Fire Moderate X X X
Landslide/Rockslide/Embank- Moderate X X X X X ment Failure
Hazardous Materials Spill Moderate X X X X X X
Drought Moderate X X X X
Tornado Moderate X X X X X X X X
Extreme Temperatures Moderate X X X
Invasive Species Low X X X X X
Major Wildfire/Forest Fire Low X X X X X X X
Ice Jam Low X X X X
Rock Cuts Low X
Infectious Disease Outbreak Low X X X
Earthquake Low X X X X X
Major Hailstorm Low X X
Terrorism Low X X X X X X X X X
Nuclear Power Plant Failure Low X X X X X X X X
Table XII. Climate Change and Severity of Hazards
X
X
X
X
X
X
No
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Yes
Worsened by Climate Change Climate Worsened by
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
High
High
High
High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Community Community
Vulnerability/Risk
PossibleHazard
NuclearPower PlantFailure
Terrorism
Major Hailstorm Major
Earthquake
InfectiousDisease Outbreak
Rock Cuts Rock
Ice Jam Ice
Major Wildfire/Forest Major Fire
InvasiveSpecies
ExtremeTemperatures
Tornado
Drought
Hazardous Materials SpillMaterials Hazardous
mentFailure
Landslide/Rockslide/Embank-
Structure Fire Structure
Accidents
Major Highway and RailroadHighway and Major
SevereThunderstorms
Dam Failures Dam
and Tropical Storms Tropical and
Windstorms,incl. Hurricanes WinterStorm/IceStorm FloodingFlashFloods and
Lake Lamoille
TRANSPORTATION CONCERNS TOWN OF STOWE For planning purposes only. Not for regulatory interpretation.
Tranverse Mercator, VT State Plane,
E
E
E
E Meters, NAD83.
G
G
R
R
D
D M O R R I S T O W N M O R R I S T O W N O O Lamoille County I I TH 6 Planning Commission
M
M
R R PO Box 1637, 52 Portland Street
L
L
B Morrisville, VT 05661 B
E E 802.888.4548 f 802.888.6938
M M TH 7 www.lcpcvt August 2016
A A W MO UL
C H T C O I N L LN CA L R S W D A E R T Y R DE D A D
F G R . A P K A R E M C ST C K A U R O O R D R E A O 0 0.75 1.5 R A C R D M H B Miles NO A N D T R V TC D R E T H E S R D L E D G L R BR S ELL L OU O O W I T O N W V E K E S 1 R H E N 0 D I K T OW 8 L S S L R S S H B Legend TOLL I I R RD R N D L E C L L K STATE HIGHWAY BRIDGES R C RD A D RECENTLY REPLACED U ROOK I D CH B R P R N R RA B R D L R I L BRIDGE WITH FEDERAL SUFFICIENCY
R E I E RATING LESS THAN 50 (OUT OF 100) C H
H T
R T M OUN E T H AIN B HIGH ACCIDENT LOCATION I
S RD A S L T HIGH ROAD EROSION RISK L RD
S E
E W B O RIVER CORRIDOR FEH RATING
R L A L M G O D I H R C Extreme
L C A C N R R I I O S Very High
D N T R
W R
R R D S High
S D
L T O R R O Moderate U L U D
4 I R Low
4 H
E
W W N N H V RD
P Very Low T I OK P R RO D D B A LD Not Rated R GO S
T T E SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA E O RD W EY N E R R LL VA H A MOS H O K COW I S RD D H P L H A D Data Sources: R C O L L B R E R I N O L O N W T T I Y I L S T R Bridge Federal Sufficiency Ratings: VTrans, Lake Mansfield R R L L L O N D D I U 2009, updated 2016 based on new bridge N H B L B L repaires. R S R H S E OL High Accident Locations: VTrans, 2013. O LO E T W O RD N A Flood Hazard Areas: Digital Flood Insurance K
R W Rate Map (DFIRM), FEMA, 2006. A R B Floodplains for planning purposes only. D River Corridor/Fluvial Erosion Hazard Areas: LCPC and VT ANR River Management, various dates. Much FEH boundary data is based on partial stream assessments and therefore is preliminary in nature. W A T E R B U R Y High Road Erosion Risk: Derived from 2014 B O L T O N statewide GIS analysis using soils, slope, and proximity to surface waters. ^_ ^_ ^_E MAI ^_^_ N ST ^_ ^_^_ ?É ^_ ^_ ^_ ?¥ La^_ke Lamoille ^_ _^_^_ ?¡ ^_ ^_^_^_^_^_^_^ ^_ ^_^_ ^_^_ ^_^_ ^_ AREAS OF LOCAL CONCE^_RN ^_^_ TOWN OF STOWE _ For planning purposes only. ^^_ Not for regulatory interpretation. Tranverse Mercator,
E E VT State Plane,
E E Meters, NAD83.
G G ^_ R
R
D D M O R R I S T O W N M O R R I S T O W N O O Lamoille County
I I ?É Planning Commission
M
M
R R PO Box 1637, 52 Portland Street
L
L
B Morrisville, VT 05661 B ^_
E 802.888.4548 f 802.888.6938
E
M M www.lcpcvt August 2016
A
A
W
C C H S I L T L A
R D G
D R E
C
K
O
C
A
A
C
R ^_^_^_ H ^_ A Legend
R M
D A
T D R D CRITICAL FACILITIES 6 E 2 R ^_ H L T IL ^_ D THAT ARE IMPACTED BY: W V R S E I N ?Ö E A W Not Impacted by a Hazard* K B _ ^ O S R H B ^_ 1 Known Hazard* IL D L R D R M L R R H HIL ^_ 2 Known Hazards* D A RUS F B O ^_ Y ^_^_^_ A ^_ 3 Known Hazards*
^_ M R D _ _^_ R R ^ ^ D ROOK ^_^_ H B B R D C ^_ AN R R R ^_^_ _ E O ^ E O ^_ ^_ D L * Known Hazards are being within the L K O I R _ H C _^ ^ T 100-Year Floodplain, 500' of a major road T D R
E E T B P or 1000' of Tier II site.
S
A S
T S ^_ A ^_ ^_T ?Ö C C
^_ O ^_ R E
^_ _ E ^_ P ^ B O
A ^_E HILL RD ^_^_ S LUCE ^_ D R _ S C ^ C R
R O
D R
W R
D S ^_ R
R O
L _ O U _^^ U ^ D
L D ^_
I 4 S R
4 H H
N N R W H A W
P T W E ^_ D P R V K I O
A D H O D R R B R IL D . OL T L G S E R E D T R NEB D O TY RASKA W N V N R A E R U LLE ^_ O Y R C D H H D O 0 0.75 1.5 L MOS I COW L L H O R ?É H D L L O Miles
D R W
I R D I R D Lake Mansfield L L L L I
H L L ^_ S
E N Data Sources: R
A B AREAS OF LOCAL CONCERN: LCPC, 2016. TIER II sites data derived from Tier II data sheets, 2012. ROADS: 1:5000 E-911 Road Data, 2015. POLITICAL BOUNDARIES: 1:24000 USGS W A T E R B U R Y Quadrangles, VCGI, 1991. B O L T O N SURFACE WATER: On-screen digitized from 1:5000 digital orthophotos using USGS 7 1/2' quadrangles and 1:20000 color infrared aerial photography as additional source material, VCGI for VHD-USGS, 2001 Lake Lamoille
FLOODPLAIN MAP TOWN OF STOWE For planning purposes only. Not for regulatory interpretation.
E
E E Tranverse Mercator,
E VT State Plane,
G
G
R R Meters, NAD83.
D
D
O M O R R II S T O W N O
I
I
M
M
R R Lamoille County
L L Planning Commission B
B
E
E PO Box 1637, 52 Portland Street W
M H 7 M T H Morrisville, VT 05661 IL 802.888.4548 f 802.888.6938 A L A R S www.lcpcvt August 2016 D T
A C
C D G
R
E
C K
O C
A A
C R
H A
M R
A D
T D R E H 26 L T IL V W S E N E W RD K O RN S R Legend BO H B AN E S D IL D L R S D D R M LL R O R HI D R SH 100-YEAR FLOOD ZONE (SFHA) N A BRU B F
H D U O RIVER CORRIDOR
I R Y L
L A
D C
L D R RIVER CORRIDOR FEH RATING
M R D
R R D
R R
OK E O L O K B
BR D L Extreme
H G C I E C O
AN I E
R R H
A
O E R T C R Very High
P E
T T B H B T A
O A High
H T C C
I S L S Moderate L C
R R E D E Low D O R OW B S L CE HILL RD G HOL Very Low U I C L A L S C N C
R R IS R R T Not Rated
R D R
O D R
D W RIVER / STREAM R
S D
O O L R LAKE / POND R U U L I 4 D S R
4 H H E STATE HIGHWAY
W W N A V
H P N T W I RD
P STATE FOREST HIGHWAY R K OO A H BR D D D I L R CLASS 2 ROAD L GO T L S R T CLASS 3 ROAD E E D NE D O R BRASK W TY A VAL E CLASS 4 ROAD R N LE R Y N OU RD MO H C SCOW O PUBLIC ROAD / UNDERTERMINED CLASS D RD H L L I H L H O L O L UNKNOWN / PRIVATE ROAD D W
R R R I I D D TRAIL Lake Mansfield L L L L I
H
L L S
E
N
R
A
B
W A T E R B U R Y Data Sources: L T O N B O Roads: E911 road centerlines, 2015. 100-Year Flood Zone: Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM), FEMA, 2000. Floodplains for planning purposes only. River Corridor: ANR, 2015. River Corridor/Fluvial Erosion Hazard 0 1 2 Areas: LCPC and VT ANR River Miles Management, various dates. Much FEH . boundary data is based on partial stream assessments and therefore is preliminary in nature. ")
")
") ") ") ") ")") ") ") ")") ") ") ") ") ") ") Lake Lamoille ") ") ") ") ") ") ")") ") ") ")") ")")
")
") CRITICAL FACILITIES ") ") TOWN OF STOWE For planning purposes only. Not for regulatory interpretation. ") E
E E Tranverse Mercator,
E VT State Plane,
G
G
R R Meters, NAD83.
D
D
O M O R R II S T O W N O
I
I
M
M
R R Lamoille County
L L Planning Commission B
B
E
E PO Box 1637, 52 Portland Street W
M H 7 M T H Morrisville, VT 05661 IL 802.888.4548 f 802.888.6938 A L A R S www.lcpcvt August 2016 D T
A C
C D G
R
E
C K
O ") C
A ") A C R
H A
M ") R
A D
T D ") R Legend E H 26 L T IL V W S CRITICAL FACILITIES E N E W ") RD K O Agriculture, Food, & Livestock RN S R BO H ") B AN E ") Banking & Finance S D IL D L R S D D R M LL R ") O R HI Education D R SH N A BRU B F ") ") D H ") U O Emergency Response & Law
I R Y L
L A Enforcement
D C
L D R
M R D
R R D
R R
OK E O L O K B Energy
BR D L
H G C I E C O
AN ") I E
R R H
A
O E R
T C Government & Military
R P E
T T B H B T A
O A
H T T Health & Medical C C
I S S
L ") S
T L ") C Information & Communication
O ")
R R
E E
P D D ") O R Transportation Facilities E OW B L RD ") G S LL CE HIL ") D HO U I C L A L S C N C Water Supply & Treatment R R IS R R T
") R D R
D R O ") ") EHS FACILITIES
D W R
S D ") TIER II FACILITIES
") O ") O L R R U U L I 4 D S R
4 H H E
W W N A V
H P N T W I RD P R K OO A H BR D D D I L R L GO T L S R T E E D NE D O R BRASK W TY A VAL E R N LE R Y N OU RD MO H C SCOW O D RD H L L I H L H O L O L D W
R R . R I I D D Lake Mansfield L L L L I
H
L L S 0 0.75 1.5 E Miles N
R
A
B
Data Sources: W A T E R B U R Y CRITICAL FACILITIES, TIER II and EHS B O L T O N FACILITIES: DEMHS, 2014. ROADS: 1:5000 E-911 Road Data, 2015. POLITICAL BOUNDARIES: 1:24000 USGS Quadrangles, VCGI, 1991. SURFACE WATER: On-screen digitized from 1:5000 digital orthophotos using USGS 7 1/2' quadrangles and 1:20000 color infrared aerial photography as additional source material, VCGI for VHD-USGS, ?× Extremely Hazardous Sites in Stowe ± ?É Map Key
Stowe Mountain Club EHS Critical Facility Type Verizon Cell Towers õ Agriculture, Food, & Livestock ?× Banking & Finance Commercial & Retail
Education Fairpoint Cell Tower n Stowe Lower Village Inset Emergency Response & Law Enforcement AT&T Mt. Mansfield Cell Tower H Energy Company ñ Government & Military ÆP Health & Medical m ?É Industry S t o w e Information & Communication
Stowe Country Club Mail & Shipping
J^ Transportation Facilities
Water Supply & Treatment Fairpoint Cell Towers (Town owned) Roads, AOT Class State Highway Verizon Cell Towers Class 1 Road (Town-owned) Class 2 Road Class 3 Road Class 4 Road Private Road
Sources: E-911 Roads Database, VT DEMHS, 2013 Critical Facilities Database, VT DEMHS, 2012
Projection: Traverse Mercator This map is for planning VT State Plane, NAD83 purposes only. Not for regulatory interpretation. Date: November 14, 2014
Lamoille County Planning Commission 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 PO Box 1637, 52 Portland Street Miles Morrisville, VT 05661 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS Phone:802.888.4548, Fax:802.888.6938 User Community www.lcpcvt.org
DRAFT August 2014
Emergency Action Plan (EAP) - DRAFT Lake Mansfield Dam National Inventory of Dams (NID) No. VT00100 State ID: 199.01 Stowe, Vermont Lake Mansfield Trout Club With assistance from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Dam Safety Section & Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc.
PROJECT LOCATION
NTS Reviewed and Updated: ______Dean Economou, Lake Mansfield Trout Club Rep. Edward Stewart, Stowe Emergency Management ______Date Date
Copy of ___
Lake Mansfield Dam, Stowe, VT NID: VT00100