Cheshire
Key Takeaway
Cheshire is classified as low hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 13 ft (taller than 36.5% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 255 ft |
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| Max Storage | 342 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 342 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 57 acres |
| Drainage Area | 36 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
| NID ID | NH00071 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
D.D. Bean & Sons Company, Inc.
Private
Nearby Dams
Contoocook River Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 15 ftJaffrey Sewage Lagoon Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 25 ftContoocook Lake Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 7 ftMountain Brook Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 18 ftBlack Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 10 ftHubbard Pond Dam & Dike
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 8 ftNoone Mills
Hillsborough, NH
Significant Hazard 14 ftThorndike Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cheshire?
Cheshire is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Cheshire?
Cheshire is owned by D.D. Bean & Sons Company, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cheshire built?
Cheshire was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Cheshire?
Cheshire serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cheshire?
Cheshire has a dam height of 13 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 Cheshire last inspected?
Cheshire was last inspected on August 25, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.