Grafton Pond Dam dam
Grafton Pond Dam
Grafton Pond Dam, also known as Truell Lake Dam, is a state-owned structure located in Grafton, New Hampshire. Built in 1918, this concrete dam stands at a height of 21 feet and spans 285 feet in length. Its primary purpose is for recreation, with a maximum storage capacity of 7100 acre-feet and a normal storage of 4700 acre-feet. The dam regulates TR BICKNELL BROOK and serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities in the area.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Grafton Pond Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the NHDES DAM BUREAU. The dam has a spillway type of 'Uncontrolled' with a spillway width of 23 feet. The risk assessment for this structure is moderate, indicating a level of concern for potential hazards. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam are currently not rated or available, suggesting a need for further evaluation and preparedness in case of emergencies.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts visiting Grafton Pond Dam can appreciate its historical significance, engineering design, and contribution to the surrounding ecosystem. With its scenic location and recreational opportunities, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in maintaining the balance between human activities and environmental conservation. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are crucial to ensuring the safety and longevity of this vital infrastructure for future generations to enjoy.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Grafton Pond Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut River At West Lebanon | 6,790 cfs | → |
| Smith River Near Bristol | 180 cfs | → |
| Ottauquechee River At North Hartland | 394 cfs | → |
| Ompompanoosuc River At Union Village | 16 cfs | → |
| Baker River Near Rumney | 367 cfs | → |
| Sugar River At West Claremont | 431 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Grafton Pond Dam.
Boat launches
- Grafton Pond Boat Launch
- Crystal Lake Boat Launch
- George Pond Boat Launch
- Mcdaniels Marsh Boat Launch
- Tewksbury Pond Boat Launch
- Mascoma Lake Boat Launch
Campgrounds
- Camp Wilmot
- Clark Brook Campsite
- Cardigan Campsites
- Moose Mountain Shelter
- Velvet Rocks Shelter
- Trapper John Shelter
Paddle runs
- Begins In Franklin To Sewall's Island
- Thornton Railroad Bridge To Bridgewater/Bristol Town Line
- Woodstock/Thornton Town Line To Thornton Railroad Bridge
- Sewall's Island To Manchester Street Bridge
- Source Above Fr 55 To Proclamation Boundary (Stony Brook)
- Headwaters To Woodstock, Vt
Track Grafton Pond Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Grafton Pond Dam
Where does the data for Grafton Pond Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Grafton Pond Dam.