Hoods Pond Dam

SHIELDS BROOK· Rockingham, New Hampshire· Built 1945· Earth· 27 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Hoods Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 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	27 ft (taller than 83.7% in NH)
Dam Length	560 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	368 acre-ft
Normal Storage	42 acre-ft

Surface Area	7 acres
Drainage Area	6 sq mi
Max Discharge	2,686 cfs
Year Completed	1945 (81 years old)
NID ID	NH00506

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: July 26, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

TOWN OF DERRY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

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Beaver Brook Dam

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Low Hazard 7 ft

Century Village Dam

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Winding Brook Road Dam

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Kendall Pond Dam

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Skating Pond Dam

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Unknown 8 ft

Harantis Lake Dam

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Ballard Pond Upper Dam

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Low Hazard 7 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hoods Pond Dam?

Hoods 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 Hoods Pond Dam?

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

When was Hoods Pond Dam built?

Hoods Pond Dam was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Hoods Pond Dam?

Hoods 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 Hoods Pond Dam?

Hoods Pond Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Hoods Pond Dam last inspected?

Hoods Pond Dam was last inspected on July 26, 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.