Paper Mills Holding Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
The Paper Mills Holding Pond Dam in Winchester, New Hampshire, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1978 with a height of 20 feet and a length of 600 feet.
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Summary
Situated on an unnamed stream, the dam serves a primary purpose not specified in the data, with a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet. While the dam has a significant hazard potential and is categorized as having a fair condition assessment, it is inspected regularly by the NHDES Dam Bureau, with the last inspection conducted in April 2018.
Located in Cheshire County, the Paper Mills Holding Pond Dam has a spillway type listed as "None" and no outlet gates or associated structures. Despite the lack of a spillway, the dam has been designed with a buttress core type and is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of New Hampshire. The dam's risk assessment is considered high, with a hazard rating of 2, indicating the potential for significant consequences in the event of failure. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in February 2000, and the risk management measures and inundation maps status are not specified in the data.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the Paper Mills Holding Pond Dam an intriguing subject for further investigation, given its high risk assessment and lack of a spillway. With a fair condition assessment and regular inspections by the NHDES Dam Bureau, the dam presents an opportunity to explore the management and safety protocols of private dams in New Hampshire. The dam's location on an unnamed stream adds to its mystique, making it a valuable case study for understanding the complexities and challenges of dam regulation and maintenance in the state.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED STREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
30 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Fort Dummer State Park
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Richardson-Zlogar Cabin
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Swanzey Lake Camping Area
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Pilgrim Pines Camping Area
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Falls Brook Shelter
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Paper Mills Holding Pond Dam
Connecticut River boat launch