Bellamy Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Bellamy Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 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 | 35 ft (taller than 91.1% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 462 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 4.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 333 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 19,674 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | NH00471 |
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 PORTSMOUTH PWD
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Durham Reservoir Dam
Strafford, NH
High Hazard 17 ftWatson
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 12 ftUnh Water Treament Residual Lagoons
Strafford, NH
Significant Hazard 5 ftOyster Reservoir Dam
Strafford, NH
Significant Hazard 21 ftBeards Creek Dam
Strafford, NH
Significant Hazard 16 ftMill Pond Dam
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 10 ftSwains Lake Dam
Strafford, NH
High Hazard 17 ftWiswall Dam
Strafford, NH
Significant Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bellamy Reservoir Dam?
Bellamy 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 Bellamy Reservoir Dam?
Bellamy Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF PORTSMOUTH PWD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bellamy Reservoir Dam built?
Bellamy Reservoir Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Bellamy Reservoir Dam?
Bellamy 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 Bellamy Reservoir Dam?
Bellamy Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Bellamy Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Bellamy Reservoir Dam was last inspected on November 15, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.