Comerford

Connecticut River· Grafton, New Hampshire· Built 1930· Concrete· 170 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Comerford is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 170 ft (taller than 99.8% in NH)
Dam Length2,233 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage32.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage32.3K acre-ft
Surface Area1,093 acres
Drainage Area1,635 sq mi
Max Discharge297,000 cfs
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDNH00165

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 7, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NHDES DAM BUREAU

Ownership

Great River Hydro, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Comerford?

Comerford 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 Comerford?

Comerford is owned by Great River Hydro, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Comerford built?

Comerford was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Comerford?

Comerford serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Comerford?

Comerford has a dam height of 170 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 Comerford last inspected?

Comerford was last inspected on June 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.