Pillsbury Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Located in Webster, New Hampshire, the Pillsbury Lake Dam is a vital structure that plays a key role in recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and stretches for 280 feet along Deer Meadow Brook. With a storage capacity of 377 acre-feet, the dam provides a surface area of 67 acres for recreational activities and a drainage area of 12.8 square miles.

Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau, the Pillsbury Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed in June 2017. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 640 cubic feet per second, ensuring effective water management in the area. The dam is regularly inspected every 6 years to ensure its safety and functionality.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pillsbury Lake Dam serves as a fascinating example of how dams can be utilized for recreational purposes while also contributing to effective water management in the region. Its moderate risk assessment rating highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of this critical infrastructure in New Hampshire.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

DEER MEADOW BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

67

Drainage Area

12.8

Nid Storage

377

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.