The Rolfe Canal Gate Structure Dam, located in Concord, New Hampshire, is an integral part of the Penacook Lower Falls Hydropower Project.
Wind
Humidity
This concrete buttress dam stands at a height of 17 feet and was completed in 1963. With a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow on the Rolfe Canal.
Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, the Rolfe Canal Gate Structure Dam is primarily used for hydroelectric purposes. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is subject to regular inspections and state regulatory oversight. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 28 feet, ensures the safe release of excess water during periods of high flow, mitigating the risk of downstream flooding.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the Rolfe Canal Gate Structure Dam to be a fascinating example of infrastructure designed for both energy production and water management. Its strategic location on the Rolfe Canal, combined with its modern design and efficient operation, highlights the importance of sustainable dam development in ensuring the resilience of water systems in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
70 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
ROLFE CANAL |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
250 |
Drainage Area |
760 |
Nid Storage |
600 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |