Adams Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Adams Pond Dam in Barnstead, New Hampshire, stands as a vital structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
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Summary
Completed in 1962, this private-owned earth dam serves primarily for recreation, offering a serene outlet for Adams Pond. With a dam height of 10 feet and a length of 150 feet, it provides a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 29 acres. The dam's spillway, at 26 feet wide, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 677 cubic feet per second.
Maintained by the NHDES DAM BUREAU, Adams Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its structural integrity and overall safety. Despite a fair condition assessment as of September 2015, the dam poses a low hazard potential with a moderate risk rating. The risk management measures for the dam remain unspecified, suggesting a potential area for improvement. As a key recreational site in Belknap County, Adams Pond Dam continues to draw visitors seeking outdoor activities and appreciation for its role in water resource management and conservation efforts.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Adams Pond Dam offers a compelling case study in dam engineering and management. Its presence not only supports local recreational activities but also showcases the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure for environmental sustainability. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk rating, the dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for effective risk management practices in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
OUTLET ADAMS POND |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
29 |
Drainage Area |
0.21 |
Nid Storage |
147 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Suncook River At North Chichester
|
62cfs |
Cocheco River Near Rochester
|
23cfs |
Soucook River
|
22cfs |
Isinglass R At Rochester Neck Rd
|
20cfs |
Oyster River Near Durham
|
2cfs |
Lamprey River Near Newmarket
|
42cfs |
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.
Adams Pond Dam
Jenness Pond boat launch