Recreation Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 26, 2025

Recreation Pond Dam in Newbury, New Hampshire, stands as a testament to the state's commitment to water resource management and climate resilience.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1957, this private Earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a serene 30-acre surface area for visitors to enjoy. With a modest height of 8 feet and a length of 130 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 137 acre-feet and boasts a low hazard potential, making it a safe and inviting destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau, Recreation Pond Dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's spillway, with a width of 5 feet, allows for controlled water release, mitigating flood risks and protecting downstream areas. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk, warranting continued monitoring and risk management measures to uphold its functionality and public safety standards.

Located on the TR Todd Lake stream, this Earth dam represents a harmonious balance between human recreation and environmental conservation efforts. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Recreation Pond Dam play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems, making it a vital component of New Hampshire's water infrastructure landscape.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

130

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

TR TODD LAKE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Drainage Area

2.67

Nid Storage

137

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.