Island Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Millen Lake Dam Pioneer Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Island Pond Dam, located in Washington, New Hampshire, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1861 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 13 feet and a length of 120 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 4,130 acre-feet and serves the nearby TR Beards Brook. The dam is regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Island Pond Dam poses a moderate risk due to its age and the potential impact of a breach on downstream areas. The spillway, with a width of 11 feet, is uncontrolled, and the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 185 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, its risk management measures and emergency action plan status are not clearly defined, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and preparedness in the event of an emergency.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Island Pond Dam can appreciate its historical significance and recreational value, while also recognizing the importance of maintaining its integrity and implementing necessary risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment. By staying informed about the dam's condition and regulatory oversight, enthusiasts can contribute to efforts to safeguard this vital infrastructure and preserve the natural resources it supports.
Year Completed |
1861 |
Dam Length |
120 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
TR BEARDS BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
194 |
Drainage Area |
2.38 |
Nid Storage |
4130 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
Island Pond Dam
Island Pond boat launch