Babbidge Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Babbidge Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1931 and is 95 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 38 ft (taller than 92.3% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 215 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 528 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 450 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 30 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1931 (95 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2018 |
| NID ID | NH00398 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
CITY OF KEENE DPW
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Otter Brook Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 119 ftRobinhood Park Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 18 ftMinnewawa
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 63 ftUpper Wilson Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 17 ftWoodward Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 22 ftThree Mile Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 20 ftLower Wilson Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 18 ftMeetinghouse Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Babbidge Reservoir Dam?
Babbidge Reservoir Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Babbidge Reservoir Dam?
Babbidge Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF KEENE DPW (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Babbidge Reservoir Dam built?
Babbidge Reservoir Dam was completed in 1931, making it 95 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Babbidge Reservoir Dam?
Babbidge Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Babbidge Reservoir Dam?
Babbidge Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 38 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Babbidge Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Babbidge Reservoir Dam was last inspected on July 21, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.