Otter Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Otter Pond Dam in Sunapee, New Hampshire, stands as a critical structure managing the flow of Otter Pond Brook.


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Summary

Completed in 1935, this Earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a serene escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a height of 8 feet and a length of 70 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 832 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 168 acres, ensuring a peaceful retreat for visitors to enjoy.

Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau, Otter Pond Dam is regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam poses a moderate risk, warranting attention to potential management measures. While its current condition is not rated, the dam's emergency action plan status remains unclear, highlighting the need for further preparedness and risk assessment to safeguard the surrounding community and environment in case of any unforeseen events.

Overall, Otter Pond Dam offers a valuable recreational space while also serving as a vital component of the water resource infrastructure in the Sullivan County region. With its serene surroundings and regulated maintenance, the dam stands as a testament to responsible water management and environmental stewardship, drawing in water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to appreciate the beauty of Otter Pond Brook and its surrounding natural habitat.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

70

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

OTTER POND BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

168

Drainage Area

15.6

Nid Storage

832

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.