Vernon

Connecticut River· Cheshire, New Hampshire· Built 1909· Concrete· 58 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Vernon is classified as low hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1909 and is 117 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 58 ft (taller than 96.1% in NH)
Dam Length956 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage54.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage18.3K acre-ft
Surface Area2,550 acres
Drainage Area6,266 sq mi
Max Discharge224,700 cfs
Year Completed1909 (117 years old)
NID IDNH00097

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 9, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NHDES DAM BUREAU

Ownership

Great River Hydro, LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Vernon?

Vernon is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Vernon?

Vernon is owned by Great River Hydro, LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Vernon built?

Vernon was completed in 1909, making it 117 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 Vernon?

Vernon serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Vernon?

Vernon has a dam height of 58 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 Vernon last inspected?

Vernon was last inspected on June 9, 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.