Goose Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Goose Pond Dam, located in Canaan, New Hampshire, is a state-owned structure regulating Goose Pond Brook for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1918, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and spans a length of 1240 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 9635 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is still in operation, with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau overseeing its regulation, inspection, and enforcement.

With a hazard potential rated as high and a poor condition assessment in 2016, Goose Pond Dam poses a moderate risk, prompting a biennial inspection frequency to ensure its integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 51 feet and a drainage area of 15.85 square miles. Despite its risk level, the dam continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities and water resource management within the Grafton County area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the infrastructure of Goose Pond Dam can appreciate its historical significance, structural design, and ongoing management efforts. As a key component of the local watershed, this earth dam serves both practical and recreational purposes, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

1240

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

GOOSE POND BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

618

Drainage Area

15.85

Nid Storage

9635

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.