Flagpole Pond Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Flagpole Pond Dike, located in Boscawen, New Hampshire, is a private earth dam completed in 1967 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

With a height of 15 feet and a length of 100 feet, this dam stores 490 acre-feet of water from the Contoocook River, creating a surface area of 67 acres. While the dam's hazard potential is classified as low and its condition is not rated, it is under the regulatory oversight of the NHDES DAM BUREAU, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.

Despite its moderate risk assessment, Flagpole Pond Dike remains a popular recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts, offering opportunities for activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The dam's location in Merrimack County amidst the scenic surroundings of New Hampshire's natural landscape adds to its appeal. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures, its overall risk management and safety measures are deemed adequate for its current usage and environmental impact.

Overall, Flagpole Pond Dike serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for both recreational enjoyment and water resource management in the region. Its presence on the Contoocook River contributes to the local ecosystem and provides a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike. With continued monitoring and regulatory oversight, this earth dam will continue to play a significant role in maintaining the balance between water conservation and outdoor recreation in the area.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR CONTOOCOOK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

67

Drainage Area

0.43

Nid Storage

490

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.