Richardson Brook Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Richardson Brook Pond Dam, located in Lempster, New Hampshire, is a privately owned structure regulated by the NHDES Dam Bureau.


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Summary

Built in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 220 feet, with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities. The dam has a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet and a surface area of 10 acres, serving the Richardson Brook for flood control and water resource management.

Despite being categorized with a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The spillway, with a width of 6 feet, is of the uncontrolled type. The risk assessment for Richardson Brook Pond Dam is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to mitigate any potential hazards or issues that may arise.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of dams will find Richardson Brook Pond Dam an intriguing case study. With its unique design features and recreational purposes, this structure serves as a vital component of the local watershed, highlighting the importance of responsible dam ownership and regulation in safeguarding our natural resources.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

RICHARDSON BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

90

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.