Contoocook River Dam
Key Takeaway
Contoocook River Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1861 and is 165 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 15 ft (taller than 47.8% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 98 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1861 (165 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1939 |
| NID ID | NH00733 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
TOWN OF JAFFREY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Mountain Brook Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 18 ftContoocook Lake Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 7 ftCheshire
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 13 ftJaffrey Sewage Lagoon Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 25 ftBlack Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 10 ftThorndike Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 13 ftHubbard Pond Dam & Dike
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 8 ftPearly Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 7 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Contoocook River Dam?
Contoocook River Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Contoocook River Dam?
Contoocook River Dam is owned by TOWN OF JAFFREY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Contoocook River Dam built?
Contoocook River Dam was completed in 1861, making it 165 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 Contoocook River Dam?
Contoocook River Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Contoocook River Dam?
Contoocook River Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Contoocook River Dam last inspected?
Contoocook River Dam was last inspected on September 2, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.