Pierce Pond Dam

WOLF BROOK· Hillsborough, New Hampshire· Built 1700· Earth· 8 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Pierce Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1700 and is 326 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 Length100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage149 acre-ft
Normal Storage20 acre-ft
Surface Area54 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge350 cfs
Year Completed1700 (326 years old)
NID IDNH00921

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: April 13, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

TOWN OF BROOKLINE

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pierce Pond Dam?

Pierce 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 Pierce Pond Dam?

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

When was Pierce Pond Dam built?

Pierce Pond Dam was completed in 1700, making it 326 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 Pierce Pond Dam?

Pierce 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 Pierce Pond Dam?

Pierce 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 Pierce Pond Dam last inspected?

Pierce Pond Dam was last inspected on April 13, 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.