Canobie Lake Dam, located in Salem, New Hampshire, serves as a vital recreational resource in the area.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1930, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and spans 330 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 1400 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 700 acre-feet. Situated on Policy Brook, the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 350 acres for various water activities.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, Canobie Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam has not been assessed for its condition and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) as of the latest inspection in November 2020. With a controlled spillway width of 4 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 50 cubic feet per second, the dam presents a unique blend of historical significance and contemporary water management challenges.
As a significant feature in the Rockingham County landscape, Canobie Lake Dam provides not only recreational opportunities but also a critical water resource for the surrounding area. With its picturesque setting on Policy Brook and the potential for future risk management measures, the dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand the intersection of human infrastructure with natural hydrological systems.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
330 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
POLICY BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
350 |
Drainage Area |
2.25 |
Nid Storage |
1400 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
8 |