Edward MacDowell Dam, located in Peterborough, New Hampshire, was completed in 1950 by the US Army Corps of Engineers with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
Wind
Humidity
This earth dam, standing at a height of 63 feet and spanning 1100 feet in length, helps mitigate the risk of catastrophic flooding to the surrounding communities. However, a risk assessment conducted in 2014 classified the dam's hazard potential as high, primarily due to the sizable population living downstream who could be affected in the event of a dam failure.
The risk management measures implemented by the US Army Corps of Engineers include continuous monitoring of the dam's condition, prioritizing activities to mitigate risks, and collaborating with emergency managers and the public to raise awareness and preparedness for potential dam-related emergencies. Despite the low likelihood of failure scenarios such as water seepage or ice jams causing downstream flooding, the consequences could be devastating, with swift and deep floodwaters impacting areas including Peterborough, Bennington, Antrim, Hillsborough, and Concord. The importance of maintaining the dam and updating emergency action plans is crucial to ensuring the safety of those living downstream of Edward MacDowell Dam.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
Dam Height |
63 |
River Or Stream |
NUBANUSIT BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
165 |
Hydraulic Height |
57 |
Drainage Area |
44 |
Nid Storage |
31600 |
Structural Height |
63 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
63 |