Woodsville

Ammonoosuc River· Grafton, New Hampshire· Built 1827· Concrete· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Woodsville is classified as significant hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1827 and is 199 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 28.2% in NH)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage124 acre-ft
Normal Storage124 acre-ft
Surface Area25 acres
Drainage Area420 sq mi
Max Discharge18,500 cfs
Year Completed1827 (199 years old)
NID IDNH00069

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 18, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NHDES DAM BUREAU

Ownership

Town of Woodsville, NH

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Woodsville?

Woodsville is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Woodsville?

Woodsville is owned by Town of Woodsville, NH (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Woodsville built?

Woodsville was completed in 1827, making it 199 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 Woodsville?

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

How tall is Woodsville?

Woodsville has a dam height of 12 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 Woodsville last inspected?

Woodsville was last inspected on August 18, 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.