Durham Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Durham Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 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 | 17 ft (taller than 59.6% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 129 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 44 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 443 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1930 (96 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2010 |
| NID ID | NH00564 |
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
UNIVERSITY OF NH
State Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 35 ftWiswall Dam
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High Hazard 27 ftWatson
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Low Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Durham Reservoir Dam?
Durham 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 Durham Reservoir Dam?
Durham Reservoir Dam is owned by UNIVERSITY OF NH (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Durham Reservoir Dam built?
Durham Reservoir Dam 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 Durham Reservoir Dam?
Durham 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 Durham Reservoir Dam?
Durham Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Durham Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Durham Reservoir Dam was last inspected on July 12, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.