Village Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Village Pond Dam, located in Marlow, New Hampshire, is a privately owned structure that serves the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Constructed in 1922, this concrete dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 190 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 275 acre-feet and a normal storage of 225 acre-feet, the dam creates a surface area of 35 acres on the Ashuelot River.

Maintained and regulated by the NHDES Dam Bureau, Village Pond Dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam has not undergone any recent modifications and is inspected every six years to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. With an uncontrolled spillway width of 8 feet, the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Village Pond Dam serves as an intriguing case study in private dam ownership and regulation. With its historical significance and continued relevance for recreation on the Ashuelot River, this concrete structure stands as a testament to the balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship in water resource management.

Year Completed

1922

Dam Length

190

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

ASHUELOT RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

35

Drainage Area

35

Nid Storage

275

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.