Milton Three Ponds Dam
Key Takeaway
Milton Three Ponds Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1824 and is 202 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 | 19 ft (taller than 68% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 156 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 15.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 12.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,400 acres |
| Drainage Area | 107 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,475 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1824 (202 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2002 |
| NID ID | NH00320 |
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 DES WATER DIVISION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Milton Leatherboard Dam
Strafford, NH
Significant Hazard 32 ftSouth Milton
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 15 ftMilton Waste Water Lagoons Dam
Strafford, NH
Significant Hazard 20 ftSpaulding Pond Dam
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 19 ftFarmington Levee
Strafford, NH
High Hazard 15 ftWaumbek Dam
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 17 ftBoston Felt
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 10 ftUnion Meadows Dam
Carroll, NH
Significant Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Milton Three Ponds Dam?
Milton Three Ponds 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 Milton Three Ponds Dam?
Milton Three Ponds Dam is owned by NH DES WATER DIVISION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Milton Three Ponds Dam built?
Milton Three Ponds Dam was completed in 1824, making it 202 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 Milton Three Ponds Dam?
Milton Three Ponds 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 Milton Three Ponds Dam?
Milton Three Ponds Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Milton Three Ponds Dam last inspected?
Milton Three Ponds Dam was last inspected on November 8, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.