Upper Wilson Pond Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper Wilson Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 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 | 17 ft (taller than 59.6% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 740 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 66 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1983 |
| NID ID | NH00202 |
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
TOWN OF SWANZEY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lower Wilson Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 18 ftRobinhood Park Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 18 ftAshuelot River Dam
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Low Hazard 16 ftOtter Brook Dam
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High Hazard 119 ftBabbidge Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 38 ftThree Mile Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 20 ftGoose Pond Dike
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Low Hazard 8 ftWilson Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Wilson Pond Dam?
Upper Wilson 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 Upper Wilson Pond Dam?
Upper Wilson Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF SWANZEY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Wilson Pond Dam built?
Upper Wilson Pond Dam was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Upper Wilson Pond Dam?
Upper Wilson 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 Upper Wilson Pond Dam?
Upper Wilson Pond Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Upper Wilson Pond Dam last inspected?
Upper Wilson Pond Dam was last inspected on March 23, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.