Arlington Mills Res Wheeler Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Arlington Mills Res Wheeler Dam, located in Salem, New Hampshire, is a concrete buttress dam completed in 1922 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 54 feet and stretches 500 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 5,680 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the Spickett River, is under the jurisdiction of the NHDES Dam Bureau and is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state.
With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2016, Arlington Mills Res Wheeler Dam is regularly inspected every two years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type with a width of 98 feet, can handle a maximum discharge of 9,344 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an updated Emergency Action Plan.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Arlington Mills Res Wheeler Dam to be a significant structure for recreational purposes in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. While the dam presents a potential risk due to its high hazard classification, its current condition is deemed satisfactory. Continued monitoring and adherence to safety protocols by the NHDES Dam Bureau are crucial to ensuring the long-term integrity and resilience of this important water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1922 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
54 |
River Or Stream |
SPICKETT RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
320 |
Drainage Area |
20.81 |
Nid Storage |
5680 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
54 |
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.
Arlington Mills Res Wheeler Dam
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