Lyford Pond Dam, located in Canterbury, New Hampshire, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Constructed in 1840, the dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 900 feet, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 170 acre-feet. The dam regulates the flow of Guess Brook and covers a surface area of 24 acres, providing opportunities for water-based recreational activities.
Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, Lyford Pond Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and is in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2015. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 6 feet and has a moderate risk rating. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in November 2019. The dam's emergency action plan status and inundation maps are currently not updated, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures and preparedness.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lyford Pond Dam serves as a historical and recreational asset in the Merrimack County area. Its role in regulating water flow and providing leisure opportunities underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure for both safety and environmental sustainability. With its picturesque setting and significant hazard potential, the dam presents a unique intersection of natural beauty and infrastructure management that continues to engage stakeholders and regulators alike.
Year Completed |
1840 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
GUESS BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Drainage Area |
0.28 |
Nid Storage |
170 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
Winnipesaukee River At Tilton
|
85cfs |
Merrimack River At Franklin Junction
|
857cfs |
Suncook River At North Chichester
|
62cfs |
Blackwater River Near Webster
|
19cfs |
Soucook River
|
22cfs |
Warner River At Davisville
|
50cfs |