Ayers Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Ayers Pond Dam, located in Hudson, New Hampshire, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1865, this Earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 106 feet in length. It regulates Musquash Brook and has a storage capacity of 93 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 28 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and was last inspected in April 2018, with a fair condition assessment.

Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau, Ayers Pond Dam is state-regulated and subject to inspection, enforcement, and permitting by the New Hampshire authorities. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating a level of potential risk that necessitates monitoring and management measures. Despite its age, the dam remains in functional condition and continues to provide recreational opportunities for the local community.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is currently unknown, with no updated information on preparedness and compliance with guidelines. With a designated inspection frequency of 6 years, Ayers Pond Dam is a key feature in the water resource infrastructure of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, serving both recreational and regulatory purposes in the region.

Year Completed

1865

Dam Length

106

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

MUSQUASH BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

5.5

Nid Storage

93

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

16
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.