Swain Lowell Dam

Halfway between the gorge and the last class III rapid there is an old hydro dam (NH Dept Environmental Services Dam Bureau ID 243.07). At medium and higher levels closed boats will enjoy the trip over the edge paddling left of center. Open boats are advised to only paddle this drop at medium or higher levels or risk damage to the boat. The dam can be easily portaged on the right. At high levels closed and open boats can paddle over the rocks along the far right. At very high levels a dangerous hydraulic forms at the base of the dam. Warning: During the warm summer months (the swimming season), a cable will extend across the top of the dam. It is provided by the dam owner as an important safety line for the many people including children who walk across the dam crest to swim and boat there. The cable will normally be taken down after each Labor Day. Since the cable (if present) extends across at helmet height it presents a hazard for paddlers At least one paddler snagged her helmet in the cable as she miss-judged the distance when dropping over the lip of the dam. It is recommended that paddlers take turns with a partner lifting the cable up high out of harms way as one paddles over the dam.

Drawing showing pool below and eroded (now filled) cavity. This dam, originally built in 1905 has recently been undergoing renovation and restoration. The current owner reinforced the weakened and eroded base of the dam with 250 tons concrete in 2001. It is his intent to maintain the area as a retreat and local summer swimming hole. According to the owner, immediately beyond the base of the dam the river bed drops off in a pool approximately five feet deep before becoming shallower again a short distance downstream of the dam. On the river left edge the old turbine has been recently excavated and is visible just below a new concrete platform. This turbine connected to gears and a shaft that extended up into the small mill building above. When in operation it generated only 50 horsepower.