Babbidge Reservoir Dam
Babbidge Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, built in 1931. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Babbidge Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Babbidge Reservoir Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Keene Dpw (local government). It impounds the Roaring Brook near Roxbury.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 215 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 30 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 528 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1931, 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 07/21/2021.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% 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.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Cheshire |
| Nearest City | Roxbury |
| River/Stream | Roaring Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.93380, -72.22020 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 215 ft |
| Year Completed | 1931 (95 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 528 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 528 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 450 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 30 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,500 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF KEENE DPW |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/21/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NH00398 |
| Federal ID | NH00398 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |