Copps Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Copps Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 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 | 200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 576 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 89 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 690 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1944 |
| NID ID | NH00217 |
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 FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
State Government
Nearby Dams
Melvin River Dam
Carroll, NH
Significant Hazard 17 ftShannon Lake Dam
Carroll, NH
Significant Hazard 20 ftLower Beech Pond Dam
Carroll, NH
Low Hazard 10 ftBig Dan Hole Pond Dam
Carroll, NH
Significant Hazard 13 ftWolfeboro Sewage Lagoon Dam
Carroll, NH
High Hazard 45 ftCrescent Lake Dam
Carroll, NH
High Hazard 15 ftDan Hole River Dam
Carroll, NH
Significant Hazard 29 ftCobble Mountain Dam
Belknap, NH
Low Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Copps Pond Dam?
Copps 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 Copps Pond Dam?
Copps Pond Dam is owned by NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Copps Pond Dam built?
Copps Pond Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Copps Pond Dam?
Copps 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 Copps Pond Dam?
Copps 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 Copps Pond Dam last inspected?
Copps Pond Dam was last inspected on October 26, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.