The Pleasant Lake Dam

Current Dam Status

The Pleasant Lake Dam [aka Elkins Dam] is owned by the Town of New London and managed in cooperation with PLPA. View real-time water level information at pleasantlake.info. The dam is currently regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau.

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History & Timeline

The Pleasant Lake Dam has shaped the lake and its surroundings for over 170 years and is an important feature of the lake. Below is a chronology of key events.

1850
Built for Industry

Built to provide water power to the village of Elkins and its mill, known then as "Scythe Factory Village."
1949
Ownership Transfer

The mill closed. Elkins Fish & Game Club purchased the dam and surrounding property from PSNH.
1974
Town Management

Elkins Fish & Game Club transferred ownership of the dam to the Town of New London.
2008
Modern Automation

The Town of New London installed an electronically controlled gate to more accurately maintain the lake's water level.
2013
Structural Repairs

A drawdown of the lake was conducted to allow repairs to cracks in the dam's concrete face wall.
2018–2019
Infrastructure Update

Drawdowns of the lake were conducted in both years to replace the pipe in the dam.