Baker River Site 8 Dam
Key Takeaway
Baker River Site 8 Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 63 ft (taller than 96.8% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 1,462 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 143 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 30 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,315 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1977 |
| NID ID | NH00178 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
NH DES WATER DIVISION
State Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 68 ftBaker River Site 11 Dam
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Low Hazard 10 ftSpectacle Pond Dam
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High Hazard 7 ftBaker River Site 5 Dam
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High Hazard 53 ftBaker River Site 5 Dike
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Low Hazard 20 ftBaker River Site 6 Dam
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Significant Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Baker River Site 8 Dam?
Baker River Site 8 Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Baker River Site 8 Dam?
Baker River Site 8 Dam is owned by NH DES WATER DIVISION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Baker River Site 8 Dam built?
Baker River Site 8 Dam was completed in 1967, making it 59 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Baker River Site 8 Dam?
Baker River Site 8 Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Baker River Site 8 Dam?
Baker River Site 8 Dam has a dam height of 63 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Baker River Site 8 Dam last inspected?
Baker River Site 8 Dam was last inspected on October 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.