Powder Mill, located in Bennington, New Hampshire, is a privately owned dam on the Contoocook River that serves the dual purpose of hydroelectric power generation and water supply.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1924, this concrete dam stands at a height of 20.6 feet and has a length of 366 feet. With a storage capacity of 8,600 acre-feet and a drainage area of 184 square miles, Powder Mill plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Powder Mill has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 228 feet and is equipped with five slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. Despite its age, Powder Mill has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in June 2017. The dam's Emergency Action Plan was last revised in February 2018, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to address any potential risks associated with the structure.
As a key component of the region's water infrastructure, Powder Mill stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. Its role in providing clean energy and reliable water supply underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water resources in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1924 |
Dam Length |
366 |
Dam Height |
20.6 |
River Or Stream |
Contoocook River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
435 |
Drainage Area |
184 |
Nid Storage |
8600 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
21 |