Marchs Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Marchs Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1840 and is 186 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 | 8 ft (taller than 5% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 3,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 840 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 365 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 114 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 727 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1840 (186 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2009 |
| NID ID | NH00350 |
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
TOWN OF NEW DURHAM
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Club Pond Dam
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 9 ftJones Dam
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High Hazard 21 ftDowning Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 15 ftMerrymeeting Lake Dam
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High Hazard 22 ftJones Pond Dike
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Significant Hazard 12 ftJones Pond Dam
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High Hazard 19 ftSunrise Lake Dam
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High Hazard 19 ftCurrier Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Marchs Pond Dam?
Marchs 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 Marchs Pond Dam?
Marchs Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF NEW DURHAM (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Marchs Pond Dam built?
Marchs Pond Dam was completed in 1840, making it 186 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 Marchs Pond Dam?
Marchs 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 Marchs Pond Dam?
Marchs Pond Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Marchs Pond Dam last inspected?
Marchs Pond Dam was last inspected on September 29, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.