Crystal Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Crystal Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 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 | 16 ft (taller than 54.9% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 188 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 441 acres |
| Drainage Area | 27 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,562 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| NID ID | NH00018 |
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
Nearby Dams
Sunset Lake Dam
Belknap, NH
High Hazard 17 ftGillan Pond Dam
Belknap, NH
Low Hazard 10 ftLocke Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 12 ftSuncook Lake Dam
Belknap, NH
High Hazard 16 ftRollins Pond Dam
Belknap, NH
Low Hazard 17 ftAlton Power Dam
Belknap, NH
High Hazard 16 ftUpper Recreation Pond Dam
Belknap, NH
Low Hazard 14 ftBarnstead Parade Dam
Belknap, NH
High Hazard 16 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Crystal Lake Dam?
Crystal 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 Crystal Lake Dam?
Crystal 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 Crystal Lake Dam built?
Crystal Lake Dam was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Crystal Lake Dam?
Crystal 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 Crystal Lake Dam?
Crystal Lake Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Crystal Lake Dam last inspected?
Crystal Lake Dam was last inspected on September 26, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.