Big Dodge Pond Dam

HAMPTON FALLS RIVER· Rockingham, New Hampshire· Built 1917· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Local Government

Key Takeaway

Big Dodge Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1917 and is 109 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 28.2% in NH)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage112 acre-ft
Normal Storage19 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge800 cfs
Year Completed1917 (109 years old)
NID IDNH00533

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: October 2, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

TOWN OF HAMPTON FALLS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Big Dodge Pond Dam?

Big Dodge 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 Big Dodge Pond Dam?

Big Dodge Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF HAMPTON FALLS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Big Dodge Pond Dam built?

Big Dodge Pond Dam was completed in 1917, making it 109 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 Big Dodge Pond Dam?

Big Dodge Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Big Dodge Pond Dam?

Big Dodge Pond Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Big Dodge Pond Dam last inspected?

Big Dodge Pond Dam was last inspected on October 2, 2019. 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.