Chesham Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Chesham Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1921 and is 105 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 16 ft (taller than 54.9% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 125 ft |
| Dam Type | Stone |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 460 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 93 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,479 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1921 (105 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2020 |
| NID ID | NH00063 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
NH DES WATER DIVISION
State Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 17 ftWoodward Pond Dam
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High Hazard 22 ftStone Pond Overflow Dam
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Low Hazard 6 ftMinnewawa
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High Hazard 63 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Chesham Pond Dam?
Chesham Pond 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 Chesham Pond Dam?
Chesham 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 Chesham Pond Dam built?
Chesham Pond Dam was completed in 1921, making it 105 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 Chesham Pond Dam?
Chesham 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 Chesham Pond Dam?
Chesham Pond Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Chesham Pond Dam last inspected?
Chesham Pond Dam was last inspected on November 28, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.