Damon Upper Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Damon Upper Reservoir Dam, located in Rindge, New Hampshire, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1835, this Roller-Compacted Concrete dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a length of 525 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 567 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Tarbell Brook and has a drainage area of 10.8 square miles, with a surface area of 49.3 acres.

With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of May 2017, Damon Upper Reservoir Dam has been regulated, inspected, and permitted by the NHDES DAM BUREAU. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 128 feet and a maximum discharge capability of 4879 cubic feet per second. Despite being over 180 years old, the dam has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in October 2019, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining its structural integrity.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the historical significance and engineering marvel of Damon Upper Reservoir Dam. As it continues to provide recreational opportunities while facing moderate risk, the dam represents a blend of heritage and modern-day resilience in safeguarding the surrounding community and the environment. With its captivating design and critical role in water management, Damon Upper Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resource stewardship.

Year Completed

1835

Dam Length

525

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TARBELL BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Roller-Compacted Concrete

Surface Area

49.3

Drainage Area

10.8

Nid Storage

567

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.