Lower Wilson Pond Dam, located in Swanzy, New Hampshire, is a local government-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1930, this earth dam with a buttress core stands at 18 feet high and stretches 120 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 560 acre-feet. The dam, which spans the Minnewawa Brook, is regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and significant hazard potential are managed effectively.
This dam, classified as having a moderate risk level, features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 3 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 197 cubic feet per second. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 250 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 80.4 acres, making it a valuable resource for recreational activities in the area. With its location in Cheshire County and close proximity to the New England District, Lower Wilson Pond Dam offers both environmental and social benefits to the community.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management will find Lower Wilson Pond Dam an intriguing subject for study, given its historical significance, regulatory oversight, and potential impact on the surrounding watershed. As a key infrastructure for recreation and water management, this dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human intervention in natural ecosystems and the importance of sustainable practices in maintaining the balance between water supply, flood control, and recreational opportunities in the region.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
120 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
MINNEWAWA BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
80.4 |
Drainage Area |
1.51 |
Nid Storage |
560 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |