Pingree Sawmill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

The Pingree Sawmill Dam, located in Auburn, New Hampshire, is a locally-owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1812, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 80 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet. Situated on Preston Brook, the dam is regulated by the NHDES Dam Bureau and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a spillway width of 50 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 342 cubic feet per second, the Pingree Sawmill Dam poses a moderate risk level, with an undetermined hazard potential. Despite its age, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not rated, indicating a need for further evaluation to determine its structural integrity and resilience to potential risks. While emergency action plans and risk management measures are currently unspecified, the dam's location within the Rockingham County in New Hampshire highlights the importance of monitoring and maintaining this vital water resource for both recreational and environmental purposes in the region.

Year Completed

1812

Dam Length

80

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

PRESTON BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

4.3

Nid Storage

87

Hazard Potential

Undetermined

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.