Woodsville

About Woodsville

The primary purpose of Woodsville is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Town Of Woodsville, Nh (local government). It impounds the Ammonoosuc River near Haverhill.

The dam stands 12 feet tall and stretches 300 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 25 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 124 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 420 square miles. Completed in 1827, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/18/2022.

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