Dorrs Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Dorrs Pond Dam, located in Manchester, New Hampshire, was completed in 1934 and serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a length of 125 feet, with a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet. The pond created by the dam covers an area of 25 acres and drains an area of 2.4 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 795 cubic feet per second.

Despite its recreational significance, Dorrs Pond Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been rated as being in poor condition. The dam is regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, with inspections conducted every two years. The emergency action plan for the dam was last updated in 2011, and there are moderate risks associated with the structure.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Dorrs Pond Dam may find its design and construction details, as well as its current condition and hazard potential, to be of particular interest. The dam's Earth and Stone structure, along with its Uncontrolled spillway type, contribute to its unique characteristics within the state. The presence of a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts to ensure the safety and integrity of this essential water management structure.

Year Completed

1934

Dam Length

125

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

DORRS POND

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Drainage Area

2.4

Nid Storage

118

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.