Dead River Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

The Dead River Dike in New Hampshire is a state-regulated structure designed for flood risk reduction along Jericho Brook.


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Summary

Completed in 1970, this earth dam stands at 14 feet tall and spans 1665 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2100 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam has a high risk assessment rating of 2, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in preventing flood damage.

Located in Coos County, the Dead River Dike is managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau and undergoes regular inspections every 6 years to ensure its structural integrity. While the dam lacks a spillway and has no outlet gates, its primary purpose of flood risk reduction highlights its importance in protecting the surrounding area from potential water-related hazards. With a risk management plan yet to be fully detailed, the Dead River Dike remains a vital piece of infrastructure in the region's water resource management efforts.

As a key component of the local water management system, the Dead River Dike plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community against flooding events. With its strategic location in Congressional District 02, New Hampshire, the dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for climate resilience measures in the face of changing environmental conditions. By upholding state regulations and ensuring regular inspections, the Dead River Dike stands as a testament to New Hampshire's commitment to protecting its citizens and natural resources from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

1665

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

JERICHO BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

132

Drainage Area

6.48

Nid Storage

2100

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.