Damon Upper Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Damon Upper Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1835 and is 191 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 14 ft (taller than 42.1% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 525 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 567 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 270 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 49 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,879 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1835 (191 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2010 |
| NID ID | NH00382 |
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
MR JOHN HUNT
Private
Nearby Dams
Lower Damon Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 13 ftRobbins Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 10 ftPearly Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 7 ftStone Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 16 ftTannery Pond
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 10 ftWhitney Pond Dam
Worcester, MA
High Hazard 27 ftHunts Pond
Worcester, MA
Low Hazard 15 ftScott Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Damon Upper Reservoir Dam?
Damon Upper 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 Damon Upper Reservoir Dam?
Damon Upper Reservoir Dam is owned by MR JOHN HUNT (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Damon Upper Reservoir Dam built?
Damon Upper Reservoir Dam was completed in 1835, making it 191 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 Damon Upper Reservoir Dam?
Damon Upper Reservoir 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 Damon Upper Reservoir Dam?
Damon Upper Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 14 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 Damon Upper Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Damon Upper Reservoir Dam was last inspected on May 12, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.