Big Island Pond Walter Stickney Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Located in Derry, New Hampshire, the Big Island Pond Walter Stickney Dam stands as a crucial structure along the Spickett River, serving as a primary source of recreation in the area since its completion in 1905.


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Summary

With a dam height of 10 feet and a length of 100 feet, this earth dam provides a storage capacity of 4950 acre-feet, ensuring a normal storage level of 2750 acre-feet for the surrounding community. The dam's spillway, with a width of 13 feet, is designed as uncontrolled, allowing for efficient discharge during times of excess water flow.

Maintained by the NHDES Dam Bureau, the dam's condition assessment in 2015 deemed it satisfactory, with a significant hazard potential due to its location and storage capacity. Despite this, the risk assessment categorizes it as moderate, with a clear emergency action plan (EAP) in place. The dam is inspected every four years, with the last inspection conducted in October 2019. With its important role in water resource management and recreational activities, the Big Island Pond Walter Stickney Dam remains a vital asset in the region, ensuring both safety and enjoyment for all who benefit from its presence.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SPICKETT RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

510

Drainage Area

16

Nid Storage

4950

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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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.