Steels Pond

North Branch Contoocook River· Hillsborough, New Hampshire· Built 1909· Concrete· 14 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Steels Pond is classified as significant hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1909 and is 117 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 14 ft (taller than 42.1% in NH)
Dam Length104 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage190 acre-ft
Normal Storage190 acre-ft
Surface Area38 acres
Drainage Area60 sq mi
Max Discharge4,300 cfs
Year Completed1909 (117 years old)
NID IDNH00037

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: Yes
Last Inspection: July 19, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NHDES DAM BUREAU

Ownership

Dichotomy Capital LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Steels Pond?

Steels Pond 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 Steels Pond?

Steels Pond is owned by Dichotomy Capital LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Steels Pond built?

Steels Pond 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 Steels Pond?

Steels Pond 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 Steels Pond?

Steels Pond has a dam height of 14 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 Steels Pond last inspected?

Steels Pond was last inspected on July 19, 2022. 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.