Stump Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Holt Pond Dam Dunklee Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Stump Pond Dam in Merrimack, New Hampshire, stands as a vital structure regulated by the NHDES Dam Bureau for its role in managing Farley Brook and providing recreational opportunities for the local community.
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Summary
Built in 1938, this Earth-type dam measures 16 feet in height and spans 250 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 143 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk level, prompting regular inspections every 6 years to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
With a primary purpose of recreation, Stump Pond Dam offers a serene surface area of 19 acres for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation within its watershed of 2.1 square miles. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, measuring 12 feet in width, helps manage a maximum discharge of 860 cubic feet per second during high-flow events. While the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, its risk management measures and emergency action plan status remain unreported, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and preparedness to mitigate any potential hazards that may arise.
Located within Hillsborough County, Stump Pond Dam serves as a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts, providing a glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, recreation, and environmental stewardship. As New Hampshire's state agency oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes, the dam symbolizes the delicate balance between human development and natural conservation in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
FARLEY BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Drainage Area |
2.1 |
Nid Storage |
143 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Stump Pond Dam
Naticook Lake boat launch