Jackman Reservoir Dam

About Jackman Reservoir Dam

The primary purpose of Jackman Reservoir Dam 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 Central Rivers Power Nh Llc (private). It impounds the North Branch Contoocook River near Hillsborough.

The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 1,844 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 519 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 12,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 63 square miles. Completed in 1926, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/03/2022.

At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New Hampshire dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

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