Bellows Falls dam
Bellows Falls
Bellows Falls in New Hampshire is a captivating hydroelectric dam on the Connecticut River, boasting a structure height of 48 feet, a dam length of 643 feet, and a storage capacity of 30,000 acre-feet. Completed in 1907, this concrete gravity dam serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. The dam is regulated by the NHDES Dam Bureau and inspected by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, ensuring its safety and compliance with state and federal regulations.
Despite its low hazard potential, Bellows Falls presents a very high risk due to its critical role in managing water resources and generating renewable energy. With a maximum discharge capacity of 157,600 cubic feet per second and a controlled spillway width of 572 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water management in the region. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2018, indicating a proactive approach to risk management and preparedness in case of emergencies.
As a significant landmark in Cheshire, New Hampshire, Bellows Falls is not only a functional dam but also a symbol of sustainable energy production and water resource management. With its historical significance and strategic location on the Connecticut River, this dam continues to play a vital role in supporting the local community and preserving the natural environment for future generations.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams 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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Bellows Falls -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut River At North Walpole | 18,700 cfs | → |
| Saxtons River At Saxtons River | 19 cfs | → |
| Williams River Near Rockingham Vt | 197 cfs | → |
| Ashuelot River Near Gilsum | 200 cfs | → |
| Ashuelot River Below Surry Mt Dam | 391 cfs | → |
| Black River At North Springfield | 300 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Bellows Falls .
Boat launches
- Connecticut River Boat Launch
- Lake Warren Boat Launch
- Surry Mountain Lake
- Stone Pond Boat Launch
- Crescent Lake Boat Launch
- Chapman Pond Boat Launch
Campgrounds
- Tree Farm Campground
- Townshend State Park
- Fox Brook Tent Site
- Wheelock Park Campground
- Jamaica State Park
- Horseshoe Acres Campground
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- First Bridge Upstream On Route 100 To Confluence With West River
- Headwaters To First Bridge Upstream On Route 100
- Headwaters To Crossing Of Route 100 Near Route 155
- Headwaters To Confluence With West River (End Of Sherman Road)
- End Of Kendall Farm Road To Confluence With West River
- Headwaters To End Of Kendall Farm Road
Track Bellows Falls in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Bellows Falls
Where does the data for Bellows Falls come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Bellows Falls .