Pontook

Androscoggin River· Coos, New Hampshire· Built 1909· Timber Crib· 15 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Pontook is classified as low hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1909 and is 117 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 47.8% in NH)
Dam Length399 ft
Dam TypeTimber Crib
Max Storage883 acre-ft
Normal Storage883 acre-ft
Surface Area280 acres
Drainage Area1,214 sq mi
Max Discharge20,500 cfs
Year Completed1909 (117 years old)
NID IDNH00601

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: No
Last Inspection: August 7, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NHDES DAM BUREAU

Ownership

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pontook?

Pontook 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 Pontook?

Pontook is owned by information not available (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pontook built?

Pontook was completed in 1909, making it 117 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 Pontook?

Pontook serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Pontook?

Pontook has a dam height of 15 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 Pontook last inspected?

Pontook was last inspected on August 7, 2018. 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.