Webster Valve Co Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Webster Valve CO Dam, located in Franklin, New Hampshire, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, with a completion date of 1901.


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Summary

This private dam, primarily designed for recreation, holds a storage capacity of 1.25 acre-feet and serves as a vital structure along Chance Pond Brook. Rising 15 feet in height and stretching 178 feet in length, the dam boasts a concrete construction with a buttress core type, reflecting a blend of durability and functionality.

Despite its historical significance, Webster Valve CO Dam faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, marked as poor, and its hazard potential deemed significant. With the last inspection conducted in November 2015 and a risk assessment rating of moderate, efforts are needed to ensure the dam's safety and longevity. The dam's spillway type is listed as uncontrolled, with a width of 21 feet, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate risks and protect the surrounding community from potential hazards. As a state-regulated structure under the NHDES Dam Bureau, ongoing monitoring and enforcement are crucial to address the dam's current condition and enhance its resilience in the face of evolving climate patterns.

Year Completed

1901

Dam Length

178

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

CHANCE POND BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Drainage Area

18.52

Nid Storage

1.25

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.