Cold River Site 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Located in Chatham, New Hampshire, the Cold River Site 1 Dam, also known as Site 1 Basin Brook Dam, was completed in 1969 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 43 feet and stretches 1080 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1360 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.75 square miles. The primary purpose of this dam is flood risk reduction, with a hazard potential classified as high.

Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, the Cold River Site 1 Dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its satisfactory condition. The dam does not feature outlet gates or a controlled spillway, and its emergency action plan was last revised in 2013. With a moderate risk assessment rating, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for managing water resources in the area, protecting against potential flooding events and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems along the Basin Brook. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Cold River Site 1 Dam is a significant structure contributing to the ecological and hydrological balance in Carroll County, New Hampshire.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

1080

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

BASIN BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28.5

Drainage Area

2.75

Nid Storage

1360

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

43
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.