Sauls Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Sauls Pond Dam, located in Northwood, New Hampshire, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1988, this dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 120 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed in October 2017.

The dam is regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, which conducts regular inspections and enforces state regulations. The dam poses a moderate risk, with a risk assessment rating of 3, indicating the need for proactive risk management measures. While the dam has an uncontrolled spillway and a relatively small drainage area of 0.39 square miles, it has a significant recreational value, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the area.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Sauls Pond Dam can appreciate its unique design as an earth dam with a buttress core type. Despite its poor condition, the dam continues to provide opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing and boating. As stakeholders work to address the dam's maintenance needs and mitigate potential risks, the importance of preserving this water resource for both its ecological and recreational value becomes increasingly evident in the context of sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

120

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

UNNAMED STREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.3

Drainage Area

0.39

Nid Storage

65

Hazard Potential

Low

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.