Pierce Pond Dam dam
Pierce Pond Dam
Pierce Pond Dam, located in Brookline, New Hampshire, is a local government-owned structure on Wolf Brook with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1934, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and a length of 100 feet, providing a storage capacity of 32.5 acre-feet. Despite its small size, the dam has a high hazard potential and is classified as in poor condition as of 2013.
The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 20 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 458 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area covers 7 acres with a drainage area of 1.7 square miles. With a risk assessment rating of moderate (3), there is a need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of the dam and the surrounding community. The NHDES DAM BUREAU in New Hampshire oversees the regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of this structure.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and recreational value of Pierce Pond Dam, while also recognizing the importance of maintaining and monitoring its condition to prevent any potential hazards or risks. The dam's location in a picturesque setting and its role in providing recreational opportunities make it a valuable asset to the community. However, continued oversight and investment in the dam's maintenance are essential to ensure its long-term sustainability and safety for all who enjoy its benefits.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Pierce Pond Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Squannacook River Near West Groton | 83 cfs | → |
| Nashua River At East Pepperell | 531 cfs | → |
| Souhegan River (Site Wlr-1) Near Milford | 181 cfs | → |
| North Nashua River At Fitchburg | 101 cfs | → |
| Souhegan River At Merrimack | 256 cfs | → |
| North Nashua River Near Leominster | 149 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Pierce Pond Dam.
Boat launches
- Melendy Pond Boat Launch
- Flints Pond Boat Launch
- Winchester Street Boat Launch
- Whalom Lake Public Boat Ramp
- Naticook Lake Boat Launch
- Greeley Ramp Road Nashua
Campgrounds
- Pearl Hill Campground
- Damon Pond Campground
- Grotonwood
- Lake Dennison State Park
- East Dennison Camping Area
- Otter River State Forest
Paddle runs
Track Pierce Pond Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Pierce Pond Dam
Where does the data for Pierce Pond Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Pierce Pond Dam.