Mill Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bellows Falls Minards Pond
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mill Pond Dam, located in Walpole, New Hampshire, is a local government-owned structure built in 1937 primarily for recreational purposes along the Connecticut River.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans 150 feet, with a storage capacity of 120.2 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment as of November 2017, the dam poses a significant hazard potential and undergoes inspections every four years to ensure its safety and integrity.
Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, Mill Pond Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 550 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there are no specific risk management measures or inundation maps prepared, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and emergency preparedness in case of unforeseen events.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Mill Pond Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water systems. With its location along the Connecticut River, the dam not only provides recreational opportunities but also presents challenges in ensuring its safety and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. As discussions around dam safety and risk management evolve, Mill Pond Dam stands as a case study in balancing the benefits and potential risks associated with water resource development.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
TR CONNECTICUT RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13.2 |
Drainage Area |
1.4 |
Nid Storage |
120.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Mill Pond Dam
Lake Warren boat launch