Baxter Lake Main Dam
Key Takeaway
Baxter Lake Main Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1923 and is 103 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 19 ft (taller than 68% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 175 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 288 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,156 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1923 (103 years old) |
| NID ID | NH00394 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
BAXTER LAKE FLOWAGE ASSOCIATION
Private
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 10 ftRochester Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 26 ftBerry Brook Reservoir Dam
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Low Hazard 28 ftRochester Reservoir Dike Spillway
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High Hazard 2 ftUpper City Dam
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Significant Hazard 14 ftHatfields
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Significant Hazard 20 ftFarmington Levee
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High Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Baxter Lake Main Dam?
Baxter Lake Main Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Baxter Lake Main Dam?
Baxter Lake Main Dam is owned by BAXTER LAKE FLOWAGE ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Baxter Lake Main Dam built?
Baxter Lake Main Dam was completed in 1923, making it 103 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 Baxter Lake Main Dam?
Baxter Lake Main Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Baxter Lake Main Dam?
Baxter Lake Main Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Baxter Lake Main Dam last inspected?
Baxter Lake Main Dam was last inspected on August 27, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.