Kelley'S Falls Dam

Piscataquog River· Hillsborough, New Hampshire· Built 1916· Concrete· 31 ft tall

High Hazard Hydroelectric Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond State Government

Key Takeaway

Kelley'S Falls Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1916 and is 110 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 Length	503 ft
Dam Type	Concrete
Max Storage	2.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage	1.4K acre-ft

Surface Area	129 acres
Drainage Area	214 sq mi
Max Discharge	24,100 cfs
Year Completed	1916 (110 years old)
NID ID	NH00299

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 24, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NHDES DAM BUREAU

Ownership

NH Department of Environmental Services, Water Division

State Government

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Woodbury Estate Pond Dam

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Dorrs Pond Dam

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Goldfish Pond Dam

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Cohas Avenue Dam

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Gregg Falls

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Pine Island Pond Dam

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Uncanoonuc Lake Dam

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kelley'S Falls Dam?

Kelley'S 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 Kelley'S Falls Dam?

Kelley'S Falls Dam is owned by NH Department of Environmental Services, Water Division (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kelley'S Falls Dam built?

Kelley'S Falls Dam was completed in 1916, making it 110 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 Kelley'S Falls Dam?

Kelley'S Falls Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Kelley'S Falls Dam?

Kelley'S Falls 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 Kelley'S Falls Dam last inspected?

Kelley'S Falls Dam was last inspected on May 24, 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.