Howe Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Howe Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1924 and is 102 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 | 30 ft (taller than 86.7% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 170 ft |
| Dam Type | Stone |
| Max Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 166 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 870 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1924 (102 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1997 |
| NID ID | NH00095 |
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
NH DES WATER DIVISION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Chesham Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 16 ftRussell Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 12 ftSeaver Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 30 ftSilver Lake Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 12 ftChilds Bog Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 17 ftStone Pond Overflow Dam
Cheshire, NH
Low Hazard 6 ftHarrisville Pond Dam
Cheshire, NH
High Hazard 16 ftCheshire Mills
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 21 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Howe Reservoir Dam?
Howe 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 Howe Reservoir Dam?
Howe Reservoir Dam is owned by NH DES WATER DIVISION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Howe Reservoir Dam built?
Howe Reservoir Dam was completed in 1924, making it 102 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 Howe Reservoir Dam?
Howe 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 Howe Reservoir Dam?
Howe Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Howe Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Howe Reservoir Dam was last inspected on August 12, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.