Souhegan River Site 19 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Souhegan River Site 19 Dam, also known as Ashburnham Road Dam, is a state-owned structure located in New Ipswich, New Hampshire.
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Summary
Completed in 1962, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the South Branch Souhegan River. With a height of 35.5 feet and a length of 1250 feet, it provides storage of 2072 acre-feet of water, with a normal storage capacity of 85.3 acre-feet.
Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Souhegan River Site 19 Dam is in fair condition as of the last assessment in April 2018. The dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau. With a maximum discharge capacity of 16463 cubic feet per second, it plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Souhegan River Site 19 Dam represents a significant infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the South Branch Souhegan River. Its history, design, and operational details make it a compelling case study in dam management and the intersection of water resource management and climate adaptation strategies.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
1250 |
Dam Height |
35.5 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH BRANCH SOUHEGAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Drainage Area |
11.4 |
Nid Storage |
2072 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
36 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Souhegan River Site 19 Dam
Grassy Pond boat launch