Pickering Ponds Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Pickering Ponds Dam, located in Rochester, New Hampshire, was completed in 1980 and is owned by the local government.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 24 feet high and stretches 3160 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 204 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is categorized as a buttress-type structure.

Despite its low hazard potential, Pickering Ponds Dam is assessed as being in poor condition, with a high risk level of 2. The dam is regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau and undergoes state inspection, permitting, and enforcement. The last inspection was conducted in October 2016, with a frequency of every 6 years.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pickering Ponds Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam management and risk assessment. With its location in a high-risk area and poor condition rating, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety and stability of critical water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

3160

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

NA

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40.8

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

204

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.