Souhegan River Site 26 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Souhegan River Site 26 Dam, also known as Timberdoodle, is a state-owned structure located in Temple, New Hampshire.
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Summary
Constructed in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 79 feet and spans 675 feet along Blood Brook. The primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 1486 acre-feet and a drainage area of 5.03 square miles.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of April 2018, Souhegan River Site 26 Dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and design. The dam is regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau and undergoes state inspections every two years. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the dam poses a potential threat that requires ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure public safety.
The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 3 feet wide, has a maximum discharge capacity of 12544 cubic feet per second. Given its critical role in flood control, the dam's risk management strategies and emergency action plans are essential components of its operation. Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate adaptation will find Souhegan River Site 26 Dam to be a fascinating case study in dam safety and the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water systems.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
675 |
Dam Height |
79 |
River Or Stream |
BLOOD BROOK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
5.03 |
Nid Storage |
1486 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
79 |
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 26 Dam
Cunningham Pond boat launch