Bow Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Bow Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1832 and is 194 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 24 ft (taller than 79% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 22.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,171 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,009 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1832 (194 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1968 |
| NID ID | NH00055 |
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
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Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bow Lake Dam?
Bow Lake 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 Bow Lake Dam?
Bow Lake 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 Bow Lake Dam built?
Bow Lake Dam was completed in 1832, making it 194 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 Bow Lake Dam?
Bow Lake 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 Bow Lake Dam?
Bow Lake Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Bow Lake Dam last inspected?
Bow Lake Dam was last inspected on October 27, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.