Exeter River Dam

EXETER RIVER· Rockingham, New Hampshire· Built 1927· Concrete· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Exeter River Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 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 Length130 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage296 acre-ft
Normal Storage72 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Drainage Area61 sq mi
Year Completed1927 (99 years old)
NID IDNH00293

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 26, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

BRENTWOOD DAM VENTURES LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Exeter River Dam?

Exeter 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 Exeter River Dam?

Exeter River Dam is owned by BRENTWOOD DAM VENTURES LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Exeter River Dam built?

Exeter River Dam was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Exeter River Dam?

Exeter 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 Exeter River Dam?

Exeter 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 Exeter River Dam last inspected?

Exeter River Dam was last inspected on May 26, 2021. 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.