J. Brodie Smith
J. Brodie Smith is a concrete dam located in Coos County, New Hampshire, built in 1948. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About J. Brodie Smith
The primary purpose of J. Brodie Smith is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Androscoggin River near Berlin.
The dam stands 31 feet tall and stretches 550 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 8 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,372 square miles. Completed in 1948, 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 08/16/2022.
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 | Coos |
| Nearest City | Berlin |
| River/Stream | Androscoggin River |
| Coordinates | 44.46930, -71.17840 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Length | 550 ft |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 60 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,372 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 56,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/16/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NH00157 |
| Federal ID | NH00157 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |