Chesham Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Chesham Pond Dam, located in Harrisville, New Hampshire, was completed in 1921 and stands at a height of 16 feet with a length of 125 feet.


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Summary

This concrete dam on Minnewawa Brook serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 92.5 acres and holding a maximum storage capacity of 643 acre-feet. The dam is regulated and inspected by the NHDES Dam Bureau, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Chesham Pond Dam has been classified with a high hazard potential due to its location and the surrounding area. The dam has a moderate risk rating of 3, prompting the need for risk management measures to be implemented. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in November 2019, to ensure the dam's continued safety and functionality. While the dam meets guidelines on emergency action plans, improvements may be needed to enhance preparedness and response in case of a potential hazard.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Chesham Pond Dam a fascinating structure to study, given its historical significance and role in providing recreational opportunities in the Cheshire County area. As a state-regulated dam with a high hazard potential, there is a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment. With its unique design and location, Chesham Pond Dam serves as a valuable asset worth exploring for those interested in water resource management and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1921

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

MINNEWAWA BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

92.5

Drainage Area

8.6

Nid Storage

643

Hazard Potential

High

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.