Ballard Pond Upper Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Ballard Pond Upper Dam, located in Derry, New Hampshire, was completed in 1941 and serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam, made of earth and stone with a buttress core type, stands at a height of 7 feet and stretches 120 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 415 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 93 acres, with a drainage area of 4.3 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in June 2018. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. The State of New Hampshire regulates and inspects the dam, with the NHDES DAM BUREAU being the state regulatory agency overseeing its operation and enforcement. The dam is situated on Taylor Brook and falls under the jurisdiction of the state, ensuring that it meets permitting and inspection requirements to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Ballard Pond Upper Dam to mitigate risks and safeguard water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1941

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

TAYLOR BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

93

Drainage Area

4.3

Nid Storage

415

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
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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.