Goose Pond Dam Rehabilitation
Originally constructed in 1918, Goose Pond Dam was identified as a high-hazard dam showing signs of failure. To protect critical infrastructure, key roadways, and the downstream communities of Canaan, Enfield, and Lebanon, NH, Michels Construction delivered full dam rehabilitation, addressing severe seepage and structural issues that included deteriorated outlet works and spillway as well as obsolete, nonfunctional wooden gates.
The rehabilitation work included rebuilding/flattening the downstream slope for stability, installing relief wells and underdrain system, replacing the wooden gates with custom-fabricated stainless-steel slide gates, reconstructing the concrete spillway, replacing the bridge for vehicle access over the spillway, and fabricating toe drainage pipe on-site.
To address site-specific seepage and uplift conditions, we designed and implemented an innovative pressure-relief and toe-drainage system. These efforts significantly enhanced both dam safety and long-term structural stability. Our innovative application of shotcrete to the dam spillway—which included an 80-foot-long culvert of varying widths and heights—saved time and reduced costs.
Michels’ contributions to this project earned an honorable mention in the 2024 Outstanding Shotcrete Project Awards and a 2025 Engineering News-Record Regional Award of Merit.
