Watson dam
Watson
Watson, also known as Waldron Dam, is a private hydroelectric structure located in Dover, New Hampshire on the Cocheco River. Constructed in 1900, this concrete gravity dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a length of 290 feet, providing a storage capacity of 236 acre-feet. Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, Watson is regulated by both state and federal agencies, with inspections conducted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Watson plays a crucial role in providing hydroelectric power to the region. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway, measuring 240 feet in width, and has a maximum discharge capacity of 9170 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is not currently available, regular inspections are conducted to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. In the event of an emergency, the dam operators are prepared to follow established guidelines for effective risk management.
Overall, Watson Dam serves as a significant water resource and climate asset in the region, contributing to the sustainable production of hydroelectric power. With its historical significance and strategic location on the Cocheco River, Watson represents a key piece of infrastructure that plays a vital role in meeting the energy needs of the community while adhering to strict regulatory standards for safety and environmental protection.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Watson -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Isinglass R At Rochester Neck Rd | 53 cfs | → |
| Cocheco River Near Rochester | 97 cfs | → |
| Oyster River Near Durham | 11 cfs | → |
| Lamprey River Near Newmarket | 119 cfs | → |
| Winnicut River At Greenland | 17 cfs | → |
| Exeter River At Haigh Road | 52 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Watson .
Boat launches
- Cathy Schiro O'Brien Cross Country Running Trail Dover
- Willand Pond Boat Launch
- Dover Eliot Road South Berwick
- Salmon Falls River Boat Launch
- Oyster River Boat Launch
- Swains Lake Boat Launch
Campgrounds
- Old Stage Campground
- Saddleback Campground
- Remote Campsite
- Tidewater Campground
- Green Tops Campground
- Salisbury State Park Reservation
Paddle runs
Track Watson in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Watson
Where does the data for Watson come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Watson .