Granite Lake Dam

GRANITE LAKE BROOK· Cheshire, New Hampshire· Built 1814· Earth· 11 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Granite Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1814 and is 212 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 11 ft (taller than 23.8% in NH)
Dam Length90 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage990 acre-ft
Normal Storage765 acre-ft
Surface Area211 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1814 (212 years old)
NID IDNH00336

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 10, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

GRANITE LAKE VILLAGE DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Granite Lake Dam?

Granite 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 Granite Lake Dam?

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

When was Granite Lake Dam built?

Granite Lake Dam was completed in 1814, making it 212 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 Granite Lake Dam?

Granite 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 Granite Lake Dam?

Granite Lake Dam has a dam height of 11 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 Granite Lake Dam last inspected?

Granite Lake Dam was last inspected on June 10, 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.