George Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

George Pond Dam, located in Enfield, New Hampshire, is a local government-owned earth dam built in 1911 for recreational purposes along the Knox River.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 9.5 feet and with a storage capacity of 894 acre-feet, the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the region. Despite its historical significance, the dam's hazard potential is classified as high, with a poor condition assessment, highlighting the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety.

Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau, George Pond Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to meet permitting and safety standards. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and its moderate risk level indicates the importance of implementing risk management measures. With a drainage area of 5.1 square miles and a maximum discharge of 443 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood control in the Grafton County area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, George Pond Dam provides a fascinating case study on the intersection of historical infrastructure, recreational use, and risk management in the face of changing environmental conditions. As discussions around dam safety and resilience continue to evolve, understanding the complexities of maintaining aging structures like George Pond Dam becomes paramount for ensuring sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

75

Dam Height

9.5

River Or Stream

KNOX RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

134.4

Drainage Area

5.1

Nid Storage

894

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

10
       
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.