Oyster Reservoir Dam, located in Durham, New Hampshire, is a concrete buttress dam completed in 1934 primarily for water supply purposes.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 21 feet and a length of 180 feet, the dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 208 acre-feet and a normal storage of 172 acre-feet. The dam's reservoir covers a surface area of 6.9 acres and drains a 16.8 square mile watershed, with a maximum discharge capacity of 4997 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau, Oyster Reservoir Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the State of New Hampshire. The dam has a significant hazard potential, assessed as fair in condition, with the last inspection conducted in July 2018. The dam's spillway, classified as uncontrolled, has a width of 100 feet, and there are no associated locks for navigation. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with measures in place for risk management.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Oyster Reservoir Dam presents a fascinating case study in dam construction and management. Its strategic location on the Oyster River ensures a reliable water supply for the region while also posing challenges in terms of hazard potential and risk assessment. As a key piece of infrastructure in New Hampshire, the dam highlights the importance of effective regulation, inspection, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1934 |
Dam Length |
180 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
OYSTER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
6.9 |
Drainage Area |
16.8 |
Nid Storage |
208 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |