Kelley's Falls Dam
Kelley's Falls Dam is a concrete dam located in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, built in 1916. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Kelley's Falls Dam
The primary purpose of Kelley's Falls 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 Nh Department Of Environmental Services, Water Division (state). It impounds the Piscataquog River near Manchester.
The dam stands 31 feet tall and stretches 503 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 129 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,290 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 214 square miles. Completed in 1916, the structure is over a century old.
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 05/24/2022.
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 | Manchester |
| River/Stream | Piscataquog River |
| Coordinates | 42.99363, -71.49552 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Length | 503 ft |
| Year Completed | 1916 (110 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,290 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,290 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,350 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 129 acres |
| Drainage Area | 214 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,100 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | NH Department of Environmental Services, Water Division |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 05/24/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NH00299 |
| Federal ID | NH00299 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |