Runaway Pond East Dam

SHAKER BROOK· Merrimack, New Hampshire· Built 1814· Earth· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Runaway Pond East Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1814 and is 212 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 47.8% in NH)
Dam Length936 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage93 acre-ft
Normal Storage52 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge88 cfs
Year Completed1814 (212 years old)
Year Modified1990
NID IDNH00469

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 7, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

MEADOWSEND TIMBERLANDS LTD

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Runaway Pond East Dam?

Runaway Pond East Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Runaway Pond East Dam?

Runaway Pond East Dam is owned by MEADOWSEND TIMBERLANDS LTD (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Runaway Pond East Dam built?

Runaway Pond East Dam was completed in 1814, making it 212 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 Runaway Pond East Dam?

Runaway Pond East 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 Runaway Pond East Dam?

Runaway Pond East Dam 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 Runaway Pond East Dam last inspected?

Runaway Pond East Dam was last inspected on October 7, 2020. 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.