Cocheco Falls
Cocheco Falls is a concrete dam located in Strafford County, New Hampshire, built in 1930. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cocheco Falls
The primary purpose of Cocheco Falls 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 City Of Dover (local government). It impounds the Cocheco River near Dover.
The dam stands 9 feet tall and stretches 150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 55 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 110 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 187 square miles. Completed in 1930, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 07/21/2022.
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Location
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Strafford |
| Nearest City | Dover |
| River/Stream | Cocheco River |
| Coordinates | 43.19640, -70.87380 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 9 ft |
| Dam Height | 9 ft |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Year Completed | 1930 (96 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 110 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 110 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 110 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 55 acres |
| Drainage Area | 187 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,300 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | City of Dover |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/21/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NH00547 |
| Federal ID | NH00547 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |