Rochester Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Rochester Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 26 ft (taller than 83.1% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 668 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 746 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 663 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 53 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 419 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2016 |
| NID ID | NH00152 |
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
CITY OF ROCHESTER
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Rochester Reservoir Dike Spillway
Strafford, NH
High Hazard 2 ftBaxter Lake Main Dam
Strafford, NH
Significant Hazard 19 ftBaxter Lake East Dike
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 10 ftBaxter Lake Center Dike
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Low Hazard 10 ftAyers Pond Dam
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Significant Hazard 18 ftBerry Brook Reservoir Dam
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 28 ftKenneth Hill Pond Dam
Strafford, NH
Significant Hazard 12 ftUpper City Dam
Strafford, NH
Significant Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rochester Reservoir Dam?
Rochester 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 Rochester Reservoir Dam?
Rochester Reservoir Dam is owned by CITY OF ROCHESTER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rochester Reservoir Dam built?
Rochester Reservoir Dam was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Rochester Reservoir Dam?
Rochester Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Rochester Reservoir Dam?
Rochester Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Rochester Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Rochester Reservoir Dam was last inspected on July 13, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.