Goffstown Lower Reservoir Dam
Goffstown Lower Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, built in 1906. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Goffstown Lower Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Goffstown Lower 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 Goffstown Village Precinct (local government). It impounds the Whittle Brook near Goffstown.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 260 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 25 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1906, 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/17/2022.
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 | Goffstown |
| River/Stream | Whittle Brook |
| Coordinates | 42.99647, -71.59578 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 260 ft |
| Year Completed | 1906 (120 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 25 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 25 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 20 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,430 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | GOFFSTOWN VILLAGE PRECINCT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 05/17/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NH00491 |
| Federal ID | NH00491 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |