Contoocook Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Contoocook Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 7 ft (taller than 1.4% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 443 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,256 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1885 (141 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1968 |
| NID ID | NH00098 |
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
TOWN OF JAFFREY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Mountain Brook Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 18 ftContoocook River Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 15 ftCheshire
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Low Hazard 13 ftJaffrey Sewage Lagoon Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 25 ftBlack Reservoir Dam
Cheshire, NH
Significant Hazard 10 ftPearly Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 7 ftCrowcroft Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 10 ftHubbard Pond Dam & Dike
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Significant Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Contoocook Lake Dam?
Contoocook 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 Contoocook Lake Dam?
Contoocook Lake Dam is owned by TOWN OF JAFFREY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Contoocook Lake Dam built?
Contoocook Lake Dam was completed in 1885, making it 141 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 Contoocook Lake Dam?
Contoocook 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 Contoocook Lake Dam?
Contoocook Lake Dam has a dam height of 7 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 Contoocook Lake Dam last inspected?
Contoocook Lake Dam was last inspected on October 28, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.