Dells Pond Outlet Dam

Dells Pond Outlet Dam is an earth dam located in Grafton County, New Hampshire, built in 1935. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.

About Dells Pond Outlet Dam

The primary purpose of Dells Pond Outlet Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Town Of Littleton (local government). It impounds the Dells Brook near Littleton.

The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 125 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 80 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1935, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/17/2022.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New Hampshire dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardPoor ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNew Hampshire
CountyGrafton
Nearest CityLittleton
River/StreamDells Brook
Coordinates44.31220, -71.79770

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height20 ft
Dam Height20 ft
Dam Length125 ft
Year Completed1935 (91 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage80 acre-ft
Max Storage80 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge735 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerTOWN OF LITTLETON
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentPoor
Last Inspection08/17/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNH00145
Federal IDNH00145
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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