Island Pond Dam

MILLERS RIVER· Cheshire, New Hampshire· Built 1920· Earth· 17 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Island Pond Dam is classified as low hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 59.6% in NH)
Dam Length420 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage251 acre-ft
Normal Storage145 acre-ft
Surface Area32 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge565 cfs
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
Year Modified2005
NID IDNH00384

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 1, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY SCHOOL

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Island Pond Dam?

Island Pond Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Island Pond Dam?

Island Pond Dam is owned by HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY SCHOOL (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Island Pond Dam built?

Island Pond Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Island Pond Dam?

Island 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 Island Pond Dam?

Island Pond Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Island Pond Dam last inspected?

Island Pond Dam was last inspected on November 1, 2021. 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.