Wiswall Dam, also known as Packers Falls Dam, is a concrete structure located in Durham, New Hampshire, along the Lamprey River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1911, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 27 acres for outdoor activities. With a height of 22 feet and a length of 400 feet, Wiswall Dam has a capacity of 500 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 134 acre-feet.
Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau, Wiswall Dam is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite this, the condition assessment in 2017 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition. The spillway of Wiswall Dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 167 feet to handle maximum discharge flows of up to 12,630 cubic feet per second.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Wiswall Dam to be an interesting site due to its historical significance, recreational purpose, and the management efforts put in place to ensure its safety and functionality. As a key feature along the Lamprey River, this dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation in the area. With ongoing inspections and risk assessments, Wiswall Dam is a focal point for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, water resource management, and environmental stewardship in New Hampshire.
Year Completed |
1911 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
LAMPREY RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
27 |
Drainage Area |
182 |
Nid Storage |
500 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Old Stage Campground
|
||
Remote Campsite
|
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Saddleback Campground
|