Ws Packaging Canal Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Frog Pond Dam Hillsborough Mill
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
The Ws Packaging Canal Dam, also known as the Dye House Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Wilton, New Hampshire, along the Souhegan River.
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Summary
Completed in 1876, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 360 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 14 acre-feet for recreational purposes. Despite its age, the dam has been rated as satisfactory in condition assessments, with a high hazard potential due to its location and design.
Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, the Ws Packaging Canal Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a spillway width of 11 feet and a maximum discharge of 72 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and flood control in the region. The dam's emergency action plan is under regular review, ensuring that it meets guidelines and can effectively respond to any potential risks or incidents.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Ws Packaging Canal Dam serves as a historic and functional structure that contributes to the recreational and environmental landscape of Hillsborough County. Its moderate risk assessment underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam for both its primary purpose and the surrounding communities. With its unique design and significant role in water management, the Ws Packaging Canal Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of engineering, conservation, and recreation in the region.
Year Completed |
1876 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
SOUHEGAN RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.02 |
Nid Storage |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Ws Packaging Canal Dam
Melendy Pond boat launch