Ferson Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Ferson Pond Dam, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, was completed in 1998 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam with a height of 7 feet and a length of 200 feet impounds the waters of TR Hewes Brook, creating a surface area of 11 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 53 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition as of the last inspection in November 2016.

The dam is privately owned and regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau. It is regularly inspected with a frequency of 6 years to ensure compliance with safety standards and enforcement measures. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 220 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment is moderate, there is a lack of emergency action plans and inundation maps prepared for potential incidents.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ferson Pond Dam presents an opportunity to explore the intersection of recreational use and dam safety in a picturesque setting. With its unique design characteristics and regulatory oversight, the dam serves as a case study in balancing the benefits of water impoundment for leisure activities with the need for proper maintenance and risk management to ensure public safety and environmental protection along TR Hewes Brook.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

TR HEWES BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

53

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

7
       
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.