Canaan Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Canaan, a private hydroelectric dam located in Stewartstown, New Hampshire, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering with its concrete gravity structure completed in 1927.
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Summary
Serving as a vital component of the Connecticut River system, Canaan boasts a low hazard potential due to its controlled spillway and careful management by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. With a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 37,000 cubic feet per second, Canaan plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and generating clean energy for the region.
Despite its age, Canaan remains in good condition and meets rigorous regulatory standards set by the NHDES Dam Bureau and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The dam's emergency action plan, last revised in 2018, ensures that proper protocols are in place to address any potential risks associated with its operation. With its very high risk assessment ranking, stakeholders are keenly aware of the importance of maintaining and monitoring Canaan to mitigate any potential issues and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the environment.
As a cornerstone of New Hampshire's water resource infrastructure, Canaan not only provides hydroelectric power but also serves as a vital component of the region's flood control and water management system. With its historical significance and modern regulatory compliance, Canaan stands as a testament to the enduring value of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1927 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
18.5 |
River Or Stream |
Connecticut River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
20 |
Drainage Area |
381 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 12, Tainter (radial) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Canaan
Back Pond boat launch