Deering Reservoir Dam
Deering Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, built in 1940. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Deering Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Deering Reservoir Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Nh Des Water Division (state). It impounds the Piscataquog River near Deering.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 873 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 323 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,143 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1940, 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 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 06/09/2022.
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.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Hillsborough |
| Nearest City | Deering |
| River/Stream | Piscataquog River |
| Coordinates | 43.05250, -71.84010 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 873 ft |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,143 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,143 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,730 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 323 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,839 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | NH DES WATER DIVISION |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/09/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NH00282 |
| Federal ID | NH00282 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |