Steels Pond Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Steels Pond, located in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, is a private dam regulated by the NHDES DAM BUREAU and owned by a private entity.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1909, this concrete gravity dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans 104 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 190 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation and recreational activities, with a spillway width of 75 feet and a maximum discharge capability of 4300 cubic feet per second.
The dam on the North Branch Contoocook River is under the oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, with inspection and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and compliance. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the risk assessment for Steels Pond is moderate. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in January 2019, with regular inspections and a designated emergency contact in place. Overall, Steels Pond serves as a vital water resource for the region, providing both power generation and recreational opportunities while adhering to state and federal regulations to maintain its integrity and safety.
Year Completed |
1909 |
Dam Length |
104 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
North Branch Contoocook River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
38 |
Drainage Area |
60 |
Nid Storage |
190 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Steels Pond
Franklin Pierce Lake boat launch