Runaway Pond East Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Located in Canterbury, New Hampshire, Runaway Pond East Dam is a privately-owned structure regulating the flow of Shaker Brook for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1814, this earth dam stands at a height of 14.5 feet and spans 880 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is under state regulation by the NHDES Dam Bureau, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its integrity.

With a surface area of 17 acres and a drainage area of 0.15 square miles, Runaway Pond East Dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water resource management. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 4 feet, and its maximum discharge capacity reaches 177 cubic feet per second. Although its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding area.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Runaway Pond East Dam to be a fascinating structure that intertwines history, recreation, and environmental stewardship. As a key component of the local landscape, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human infrastructure and natural ecosystems, showcasing the importance of responsible dam ownership and management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1814

Dam Length

880

Dam Height

14.5

River Or Stream

SHAKER BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

96

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.