Jones Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Downing Pond Dam Club Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Jones Dam, also known as New Durham Dam, is a concrete structure located on the Merrymeeting River in New Durham, New Hampshire.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Built in 1924 by USDA NRCS, this dam is primarily used for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 80 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 375 acre-feet. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 210 feet, Jones Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and providing recreational opportunities for the local community.
Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Jones Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition as of November 2017. The dam's inspection frequency is set at every 2 years to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau is the regulatory agency overseeing the dam's operations, inspections, and enforcement, highlighting the importance of maintaining this critical infrastructure for water resource management.
With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Jones Dam faces challenges that require effective risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Jones Dam are essential for sustainable water management and environmental resilience in the face of evolving climatic conditions.
Year Completed |
1924 |
Dam Length |
210 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
MERRYMEETING RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
80 |
Drainage Area |
16.3 |
Nid Storage |
375 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cocheco River Near Rochester
|
37cfs |
Suncook River At North Chichester
|
62cfs |
Isinglass R At Rochester Neck Rd
|
25cfs |
Winnipesaukee River At Tilton
|
85cfs |
Soucook River
|
22cfs |
Oyster River Near Durham
|
3cfs |
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.
Jones Dam
Merrymeeting Lake boat launch