Drawdown Notification of Alton Power Dam, Alton
Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), Dam Bureau is planning to change the water level in Wentworth Pond and Mill Pond behind Alton Power Dam after ice out occurs in the spring of 2026. In accordance with RSA 482:13, the NHDES Engineering and Construction Section of the Dam Bureau is notifying the local governing bodies and the NHDES Dam Safety and Inspection Section of the Dam Bureau that the stoplogs in Alton Power Dam will be removed resulting in a water surface decrease of approximately 2 to 3 feet from its current elevation. The removal of stoplogs will assist with ongoing engineering and wetland studies within those ponds created by Alton Power Dam and those ponds will remain in a lowered state until the dam is removed.

Also in accordance with RSA 482:13, we are holding a public informational meeting to discuss the details and answer questions concerning the change. This meeting is to take place at the Town of Alton’s Selectboard meeting on Tuesday, January 27th at 6pm at 1 Monument Square, Alton, NH 03809.

For more information, please contact Charlie Krautmann, NHDES Dam Bureau at charles.s.krautmann@des.nh.gov or 603-419-0894.