Souhegan River Site 35 Dam, also known as Smithville Dam, is a state-owned structure located in New Ipswich, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at 30 feet high and spans 1209 feet along the West Branch Souhegan River. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 1787 acre-feet and a drainage area of 6.4 square miles.
The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment as of April 2018 was deemed satisfactory. It is regularly inspected by the NHDES DAM BUREAU, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has no emergency action plan (EAP) in place, and its risk management measures and inundation maps are currently unprepared. With a maximum discharge capacity of 9135 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the area and protecting downstream communities from flooding events.
Overall, Souhegan River Site 35 Dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for flood control along the West Branch Souhegan River. While it faces certain risks and challenges, such as its high hazard potential and lack of an EAP, the dam's satisfactory condition and regular inspections ensure that it continues to fulfill its primary purpose effectively. Its presence highlights the importance of proper dam management and the need for comprehensive emergency preparedness measures to safeguard surrounding areas and communities from potential water-related disasters.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
1209 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
WEST BRANCH SOUHEGAN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24.9 |
Drainage Area |
6.4 |
Nid Storage |
1787 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
30 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Damon Pond Campground
|
||
Pearl Hill Campground
|
||
Lake Dennison State Park
|
||
East Dennison Camping Area
|
||
North Dennison Camping Area
|