Campton Pond Hydro Dam

MAD RIVER· Grafton, New Hampshire· Built 1890· Concrete· 39 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Campton Pond Hydro Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 39 ft (taller than 92.9% in NH)
Dam Length465 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage650 acre-ft
Normal Storage350 acre-ft
Surface Area36 acres
Drainage Area58 sq mi
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
Year Modified2014
NID IDNH00130

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 14, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Campton Pond Hydro Dam?

Campton Pond Hydro Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Campton Pond Hydro Dam?

Campton Pond Hydro Dam is owned by WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Campton Pond Hydro Dam built?

Campton Pond Hydro Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Campton Pond Hydro Dam?

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

How tall is Campton Pond Hydro Dam?

Campton Pond Hydro Dam has a dam height of 39 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 Campton Pond Hydro Dam last inspected?

Campton Pond Hydro Dam was last inspected on September 14, 2022. 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.