Otter Brook Dam
Key Takeaway
Otter Brook Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 119 ft (taller than 99.5% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 1,288 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 24.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 870 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 76 acres |
| Drainage Area | 47 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 34,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| NID ID | NH00006 |
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
USACE - New England District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 18 ftThree Mile Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 20 ftUpper Wilson Pond Dam
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High Hazard 17 ftAshuelot River Dam
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Low Hazard 16 ftGoose Pond Dike
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Low Hazard 8 ftLower Wilson Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 18 ftWoodward Pond Dam
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High Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Otter Brook Dam?
Otter Brook 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 Otter Brook Dam?
Otter Brook Dam is owned by USACE - New England District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Otter Brook Dam built?
Otter Brook Dam was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Otter Brook Dam?
Otter Brook Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Otter Brook Dam?
Otter Brook Dam has a dam height of 119 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 Otter Brook Dam last inspected?
Otter Brook Dam was last inspected on November 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.