Ayers Pond Dam

TR ISINGLASS RIVER· Strafford, New Hampshire· Built 1810· Concrete· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Ayers Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1810 and is 216 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 63.5% in NH)
Dam Length375 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage1.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.1K acre-ft
Surface Area236 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge180 cfs
Year Completed1810 (216 years old)
Year Modified1958
NID IDNH00162

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 8, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

NH DES WATER DIVISION

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ayers Pond Dam?

Ayers Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Ayers Pond Dam?

Ayers Pond Dam is owned by NH DES WATER DIVISION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ayers Pond Dam built?

Ayers Pond Dam was completed in 1810, making it 216 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Ayers Pond Dam?

Ayers Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Ayers Pond Dam?

Ayers Pond Dam has a dam height of 18 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Ayers Pond Dam last inspected?

Ayers Pond Dam was last inspected on November 8, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.