Lower Damon Reservoir Dam

TARBELL BROOK· Cheshire, New Hampshire· Built 1832· Earth· 13 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lower Damon Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1832 and is 194 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 13 ft (taller than 36.5% in NH)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage225 acre-ft
Normal Storage91 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area12 sq mi
Year Completed1832 (194 years old)
NID IDNH00381

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: October 20, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

DAMON REALTY

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Damon Reservoir Dam?

Lower Damon 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 Lower Damon Reservoir Dam?

Lower Damon Reservoir Dam is owned by DAMON REALTY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Damon Reservoir Dam built?

Lower Damon Reservoir Dam was completed in 1832, making it 194 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 Lower Damon Reservoir Dam?

Lower Damon 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 Lower Damon Reservoir Dam?

Lower Damon Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Lower Damon Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Lower Damon Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 20, 2021. 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.