Sanborn Sawmill Dam

SANBORN BROOK· Merrimack, New Hampshire· Built 1830· Earth· 13 ft tall
High Hazard Other Private

Key Takeaway

Sanborn Sawmill Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1830 and is 196 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 Length156 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3 acre-ft
Normal Storage1 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge645 cfs
Year Completed1830 (196 years old)
Year Modified2001
NID IDNH02411

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: No
Last Inspection: November 4, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

SANBORN MILLS INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sanborn Sawmill Dam?

Sanborn Sawmill 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 Sanborn Sawmill Dam?

Sanborn Sawmill Dam is owned by SANBORN MILLS INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sanborn Sawmill Dam built?

Sanborn Sawmill Dam was completed in 1830, making it 196 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 Sanborn Sawmill Dam?

Sanborn Sawmill Dam serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Sanborn Sawmill Dam?

Sanborn Sawmill 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 Sanborn Sawmill Dam last inspected?

Sanborn Sawmill Dam was last inspected on November 4, 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.