Harris Pond Dam

PENNICHUCK BROOK· Hillsborough, New Hampshire· Built 1861· Earth· 35 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Harris Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1861 and is 165 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 35 ft (taller than 91.1% in NH)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.2K acre-ft
Surface Area72 acres
Drainage Area26 sq mi
Year Completed1861 (165 years old)
Year Modified2015
NID IDNH00122

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 27, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

PENNICHUCK WATER WORKS INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Harris Pond Dam?

Harris 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 Harris Pond Dam?

Harris Pond Dam is owned by PENNICHUCK WATER WORKS INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Harris Pond Dam built?

Harris Pond Dam was completed in 1861, making it 165 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 Harris Pond Dam?

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

How tall is Harris Pond Dam?

Harris Pond Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Harris Pond Dam last inspected?

Harris Pond Dam was last inspected on September 27, 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.