Weare Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Weare Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 34 ft (taller than 90.6% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 340 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 8.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 278 acres |
| Drainage Area | 29 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1934 |
| NID ID | NH00114 |
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
NH DES WATER DIVISION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Dudley Pond Dam
Hillsborough, NH
Low Hazard 13 ftPerkins Pond Marsh Dam
Hillsborough, NH
Low Hazard 15 ftBlack Fox Pond Dam
Hillsborough, NH
Low Hazard 12 ftHopkinton Dam
Merrimack, NH
High Hazard 71 ftHoague - Sprague
Merrimack, NH
Significant Hazard 14 ftDeering Reservoir Dam
Hillsborough, NH
High Hazard 25 ftHopkinton Dam - Dike H-2
Merrimack, NH
High Hazard 77 ftDrew Lake South Weir
Hillsborough, NH
Low Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Weare Reservoir Dam?
Weare 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 Weare Reservoir Dam?
Weare Reservoir Dam is owned by NH DES WATER DIVISION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Weare Reservoir Dam built?
Weare Reservoir Dam was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Weare Reservoir Dam?
Weare Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Weare Reservoir Dam?
Weare Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 34 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 Weare Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Weare Reservoir Dam was last inspected on April 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.