Burns Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Burns Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1921 and is 105 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 13 ft (taller than 36.5% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 849 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 401 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 128 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 752 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1921 (105 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1995 |
| NID ID | NH00253 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
NH DES WATER DIVISION
State Government
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Significant Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Burns Lake Dam?
Burns Lake 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 Burns Lake Dam?
Burns 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 Burns Lake Dam built?
Burns Lake Dam was completed in 1921, making it 105 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 Burns Lake Dam?
Burns 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 Burns Lake Dam?
Burns Lake Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Burns Lake Dam last inspected?
Burns Lake Dam was last inspected on July 3, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.