Franklin Falls Dam
Key Takeaway
Franklin Falls Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 116 ft (taller than 99.4% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 1,740 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 222.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 440 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,000 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 205,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
| NID ID | NH00003 |
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
USACE - New England District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Giles Pond
Merrimack, NH
Low Hazard 18 ftEastman Falls
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Significant Hazard 43 ftWebster Lake Dam
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High Hazard 14 ftWebster Valve CO Dam
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Significant Hazard 15 ftStevens Mill
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Significant Hazard 22 ftFranklin Falls Hydro Dam 2
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Significant Hazard 20 ftEmery Road Dam
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Low Hazard 10 ftClement Dam
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Significant Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Franklin Falls Dam?
Franklin Falls 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 Franklin Falls Dam?
Franklin Falls Dam is owned by USACE - New England District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Franklin Falls Dam built?
Franklin Falls Dam was completed in 1943, making it 83 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 Franklin Falls Dam?
Franklin Falls Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Franklin Falls Dam?
Franklin Falls Dam has a dam height of 116 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 Franklin Falls Dam last inspected?
Franklin Falls Dam was last inspected on June 18, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.