Corps supports kayakers, canoeists, rafters on Otter Brook with white water releases from Otter Brook Dam in Keene

Published April 26, 2017

CONCORD, Mass. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District plans controlled releases of water from Otter Brook Dam in Keene, New Hampshire, on Saturday and Sunday, April 29-30, 2017.

 

The water release on Saturday, April 29 is to provide flows for general recreational canoeing, kayaking and rafting on the Otter Brook.

 

The water release on Sunday, April 30 will support the American Canoe Association, New Hampshire Whitewater Championship Race event. It is anticipated that approximately 40 to 50 people will take advantage of the water release during this event.

 

The planned flows will be approximately 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) starting at about 9 a.m. both days and continuing until about 3 p.m. or until the volume of water stored for the release is depleted. This water release is subject to change or cancellation if conditions require.

 

Construction of Otter Brook Dam was completed in 1958 at a cost of $4.4 million. The 133‑foot‑high, 1,288‑foot‑long dam can impound about 5.7 billion gallons of water. During the 1987 flood, this dam utilized 100 percent of its storage capacity and prevented $3.6 million in damages. 

 

Since the construction in 1958, the dam has prevented flood damages of $47.4 million ($98.4 million, adjusted for inflation). More than 39,000 visitors annually enjoy swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing and hunting on the 458‑acre facility. 

 

This event is subject to an adequate volume of water being available for release and could be cancelled or modified if conditions require.

 

For more information contact the Park Ranger staff at Otter Brook Lake at (603) 352-4130 or visit the website at www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/OtterBrookLake.aspx.

 


Contact
Tim Dugan
978-318-8264
cenae-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 17-039