Godfrey Dam

UPPER AMMONOOSUC RIVER· Coos, New Hampshire· Built 1920· Concrete· 18 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Godfrey Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 18 ft (taller than 63.5% in NH)
Dam Length119 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage51 acre-ft
Normal Storage39 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area24 sq mi
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
Year Modified2002
NID IDNH00613

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: June 8, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

CITY OF BERLIN WATER WORKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Godfrey Dam?

Godfrey 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 Godfrey Dam?

Godfrey Dam is owned by CITY OF BERLIN WATER WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Godfrey Dam built?

Godfrey Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Godfrey Dam?

Godfrey Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Godfrey Dam?

Godfrey Dam has a dam height of 18 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 Godfrey Dam last inspected?

Godfrey Dam was last inspected on June 8, 2022. 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.