Spaulding Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Spaulding Pond Dam, also known as North Rochester Dam, is a private dam located in Rochester, New Hampshire, along the Salmon Falls River.
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Summary
Built in 1899, it serves a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, with a concrete structure standing at 19 feet high and stretching 1757 feet in length. The dam has a storage capacity of 700 acre-feet and a surface area of 65 acres, supporting a drainage area of 118 square miles.
Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, the Spaulding Pond Dam is regulated at both state and federal levels, with inspections conducted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 157 feet and multiple outlet gates, including other controlled and vertical lift gates. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a very high risk due to its age and the potential impact of a failure on downstream communities.
With its historical significance and role in hydroelectric power production, the Spaulding Pond Dam stands as a vital component in the local water resource infrastructure. Its maintenance and management are crucial to ensuring the safety of surrounding areas and the continued operation of the hydroelectric facility. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find the Spaulding Pond Dam's design, operation, and risk assessments to be of particular interest in understanding the intersection of human engineering and natural systems.
Year Completed |
1899 |
Dam Length |
1757 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
Salmon Falls River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
65 |
Drainage Area |
118 |
Nid Storage |
700 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 9, Vertical Lift - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Spaulding Pond Dam
Baxter Lake boat launch