Lower Great Falls

Salmon Falls River· Strafford, New Hampshire· Built 1984· Masonry· 36 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Not Listed

Key Takeaway

Lower Great Falls is classified as significant hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1984 and is 42 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 92% in NH)
Dam Length270 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage472 acre-ft
Normal Storage472 acre-ft
Surface Area32 acres
Drainage Area220 sq mi
Max Discharge8,460 cfs
Year Completed1984 (42 years old)
NID IDNH00126

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 19, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NHDES DAM BUREAU

Ownership

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Somersworth

Strafford, NH

Significant Hazard 17 ft

Rollinsford

Strafford, NH

Significant Hazard 20 ft

South Berwick

Strafford, NH

Low Hazard 18 ft

South Berwick

York, ME

Low Hazard 38 ft

Rocky Gorge Upper

York, ME

Low Hazard 10 ft

Cocheco Falls

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Significant Hazard 9 ft

Beaver Dam Pond

York, ME

Low Hazard 12 ft

Cider Mill

York, ME

Low Hazard 13 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Great Falls?

Lower Great Falls is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lower Great Falls?

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

When was Lower Great Falls built?

Lower Great Falls was completed in 1984, making it 42 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 Great Falls?

Lower Great Falls 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 Lower Great Falls?

Lower Great Falls has a dam height of 36 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 Great Falls last inspected?

Lower Great Falls was last inspected on May 19, 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.