Van Dyke Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Van Dyke Dam, also known as Lake Zambobawa Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Rindge, New Hampshire.


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Summary

Completed in 1982, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 39 acre-feet. Situated on the Monomonac Brook, the dam has a height of 8 feet and a length of 94 feet, with a surface area of 18 acres and a drainage area of 2.76 square miles.

Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. It has a low hazard potential and is currently in fair condition, as assessed during the last inspection in September 2016. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 20 feet, and the maximum discharge capability is 1182 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, the dam is not owned or funded by any federal agency, operating solely under private ownership.

Overall, Van Dyke Dam stands as a vital structure for recreational activities in the Cheshire County area. With its picturesque location and important water resource functions, the dam provides a serene setting for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities along the beautiful Lake Zambobawa. Though it poses a moderate level of risk, the dam's operational and safety measures ensure the protection of its surrounding community and environment, making it a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate and protect.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

94

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

MONOMONAC BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Drainage Area

2.76

Nid Storage

66

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.