Bethlehem Dam

AMMONOOSUC RIVER· Grafton, New Hampshire· Built 1926· Concrete· 29 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Bethlehem Dam is classified as low hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1926 and is 100 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 29 ft (taller than 86% in NH)
Dam Length282 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage116 acre-ft
Normal Storage22 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area97 sq mi
Max Discharge17,080 cfs
Year Completed1926 (100 years old)
NID IDNH00279

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 20, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

MR KIRK HOWARD

Private

Nearby Dams

Bethlehem Sewage Lagoon Dam

Grafton, NH

Significant Hazard 13 ft

Burns Lake Dam

Coos, NH

Low Hazard 13 ft

Baker Brook Pond Dam

Grafton, NH

Significant Hazard 11 ft

Whitefield Lagoon Dam

Coos, NH

Significant Hazard 32 ft

Faraway Pond Dam

Coos, NH

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Apthorp

Grafton, NH

Significant Hazard 24 ft

Airport Marsh Dam

Coos, NH

Low Hazard 11 ft

Echo Lake Dam

Grafton, NH

Low Hazard 7 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bethlehem Dam?

Bethlehem Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bethlehem Dam?

Bethlehem Dam is owned by MR KIRK HOWARD (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bethlehem Dam built?

Bethlehem Dam was completed in 1926, making it 100 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 Bethlehem Dam?

Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem Dam?

Bethlehem Dam has a dam height of 29 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 Bethlehem Dam last inspected?

Bethlehem Dam was last inspected on October 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.