Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam

WHITTLE BROOK· Hillsborough, New Hampshire· Built 1934· Earth· 31 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 31 ft (taller than 87.9% in NH)
Dam Length345 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage80 acre-ft
Normal Storage65 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge660 cfs
Year Completed1934 (92 years old)
Year Modified1992
NID IDNH00490

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 17, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

GOFFSTOWN VILLAGE WATER PRECINCT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam?

Goffstown 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 Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam?

Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam is owned by GOFFSTOWN VILLAGE WATER PRECINCT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam built?

Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam?

Goffstown Upper Reservoir 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 Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam?

Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Goffstown Upper Reservoir Dam was last inspected on May 17, 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.