White Oak Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

White Oak Pond Dam, located in Holderness, New Hampshire, is a local government-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1979, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and has a length of 50 feet, with a storage capacity of 976 acre-feet. The dam, situated on White Owl Brook, is regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2016, White Oak Pond Dam poses minimal risk to the surrounding area. The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type with a width of 18 feet, is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 222 cubic feet per second. The structure's risk assessment is categorized as moderate, with no designated emergency action plan prepared as of the latest data update in June 2018. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk management measures and readiness for potential emergencies are yet to be fully detailed.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate White Oak Pond Dam for its role in providing a recreational outlet while also recognizing the importance of ongoing inspections and adherence to state regulations for dam safety. As part of the New England District, the dam's maintenance and risk management efforts contribute to the overall resilience of the region's water infrastructure. With its picturesque location in Grafton County, White Oak Pond Dam stands as a testament to the balance between human enjoyment and responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

50

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

WHITE OWL BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

295

Drainage Area

4.58

Nid Storage

976

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.