Bradley Lake Dam

HAME SHOP BROOK· Merrimack, New Hampshire· Built 1952· Earth· 19 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Bradley Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1952 and is 74 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 Length307 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage908 acre-ft
Surface Area165 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge788 cfs
Year Completed1952 (74 years old)
NID IDNH00034

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 13, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

ANDOVER VILLAGE WATER DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bradley Lake Dam?

Bradley Lake 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 Bradley Lake Dam?

Bradley Lake Dam is owned by ANDOVER VILLAGE WATER DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bradley Lake Dam built?

Bradley Lake Dam was completed in 1952, making it 74 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 Bradley Lake Dam?

Bradley 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 Bradley Lake Dam?

Bradley Lake 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 Bradley Lake Dam last inspected?

Bradley Lake Dam was last inspected on October 13, 2021. 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.