J. Brodie Smith

Androscoggin River· Coos, New Hampshire· Built 1948· Concrete· 31 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Not Listed

Key Takeaway

J. Brodie Smith is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 Length550 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage60 acre-ft
Normal Storage60 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area1,372 sq mi
Max Discharge56,000 cfs
Year Completed1948 (78 years old)
NID IDNH00157

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: August 16, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NHDES DAM BUREAU

Ownership

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of J. Brodie Smith?

J. Brodie Smith 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 J. Brodie Smith?

J. Brodie Smith is owned by information not available (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was J. Brodie Smith built?

J. Brodie Smith was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 J. Brodie Smith?

J. Brodie Smith serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is J. Brodie Smith?

J. Brodie Smith 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 J. Brodie Smith last inspected?

J. Brodie Smith was last inspected on August 16, 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.