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NH DES plans spring drawdown of McDaniels Marsh to repair Washburn Corners Dam
Summary
NH DES engineers told the Select Board they will draw down McDaniels Marsh this spring to rehabilitate Washburn Corners Dam because 1950s concrete is failing; mobilization is likely in May–June with work through fall and a refill expected in spring 2026.
State engineers described plans to draw down McDaniels Marsh this spring so they can rehabilitate Washburn Corners Dam, a project expected to begin in May or June and continue through the summer and fall.
"The concrete is from the 1950s; some of it is cracking and falling," said Charlie Krautmann, chief of the engineering and construction group at the NH DES Dam Bureau, explaining the need to address concrete deterioration and seepage in the downstream left embankment. Krautmann said DES plans to install toe drains to monitor seepage and will rehabilitate the embankment, moving the slope to approximately 3-to-1 where work requires it.
Krautmann told the Select Board the pond will be drawn down completely but that water will continue to bypass the site; DES will use different bypass methods to maintain fish and aquatic vegetation and will coordinate with Fish & Game as part of the wetlands permitting process. He said mobilization is likely in May–June, the crew normally works Monday through Thursday starting in early morning, and that design drawings will be provided to the town when available. The department expects to refill the pond in the spring of 2026.
Town officials pressed DES on local impacts. Selectman Amy Lewis asked about effects on the Bog Brook watershed and the Village District of Eastman; Krautmann said DES will try to keep discharge near typical summer outflows though the outflow might be tapered briefly for concrete pours. Selectman Steve Dzubak raised the town’s separate concern that the marsh’s outflow passes through a culvert under George Hill Road that is on the town’s red list for replacement; Krautmann said DES can assist with water management while on site but does not plan to undertake a culvert replacement project for the town.
Jen Roberts of the Fire Department noted a dry hydrant at the site needs repair or replacement and asked whether the work could be done while the marsh is lowered; Krautmann said DES has helped towns with similar work and will check permit constraints. DES also said it will attempt to stage work so school bus parking remains available at the nearby lot during construction.
The Board did not take formal action during the discussion. Krautmann estimated project completion in late fall or winter, with final refill in spring 2026; he will provide the town with design drawings and permit details as they are finalized.
