Gilson Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Gilson Pond Dam, located in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, was completed in 1937 and serves as a recreational resource on the GILSON POND river.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 11.2 feet and has a length of 85 feet, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam is under state jurisdiction and regulated by the NHDES DAM BUREAU, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement to maintain its satisfactory condition.

Despite its low hazard potential, Gilson Pond Dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. The dam's spillway, with a width of 15 feet, is uncontrolled, and the structure has not been significantly modified in recent years. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 0.97 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 444 cubic feet per second. The dam's primary purpose is recreation, offering a surface area of 16 acres for outdoor activities.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate can appreciate Gilson Pond Dam for its historical significance and role in providing recreational opportunities in the Cheshire County region of New Hampshire. With its satisfactory condition and regular inspections, the dam continues to serve as a vital part of the local landscape, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

85

Dam Height

11.2

River Or Stream

GILSON POND

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

0.97

Nid Storage

80

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.