Spoonwood Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Spoonwood Pond Dam in Nelson, New Hampshire, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1855 for recreational purposes on the TR Nubanusit Brook.


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Summary

With a height of 12 feet and a length of 280 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 775 acre-feet and a surface area of 167 acres. While the dam is classified as low hazard with fair condition assessment, it is regulated and inspected by the NHDES Dam Bureau to ensure public safety.

Located in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, Spoonwood Pond Dam provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 10 feet, allowing for the release of excess water. Despite being modified over the years, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards.

With its historical significance and natural beauty, Spoonwood Pond Dam serves as a vital water resource for the community while also offering opportunities for recreation and environmental conservation. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the dam's role in managing flood risk and maintaining ecosystem health becomes increasingly important for sustaining the region's water supply and biodiversity.

Year Completed

1855

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR NUBANUSIT BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

167

Drainage Area

1.67

Nid Storage

775

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.