Boston Felt Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Murdock Hatfield Lake
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Boston Felt, also known as Baxter Mill Dam, is a private dam located in East Rochester, New Hampshire, along the Salmon Falls River.
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Summary
Built in 1983, this masonry dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 150 feet, with a storage capacity of 232 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.8 acres. The dam serves the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, with a maximum discharge capacity of 10,500 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, Boston Felt is regulated by both state and federal agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Available," highlighting the need for further evaluation and monitoring. With its uncontrolled spillway and limited inspection frequency of every 3 years, efforts to ensure the safety and integrity of Boston Felt are crucial in mitigating potential risks and maintaining its operational efficiency for water resource and climate enthusiasts to continue benefiting from its hydroelectric capabilities.
Year Completed |
1983 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
Salmon Falls River |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
5.8 |
Drainage Area |
140 |
Nid Storage |
232 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
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.
Boston Felt
Baxter Lake boat launch