Great East Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Great East Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1825 and is 201 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 | 15 ft (taller than 47.8% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 68 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 27.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 19.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,825 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,305 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1825 (201 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2001 |
| NID ID | NH00111 |
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
Horn Pond Dam
Carroll, NH
High Hazard 14 ftBalch Pond
York, ME
Significant Hazard 12 ftLovell Lake Dam
Carroll, NH
High Hazard 12 ftRowe Dam
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 15 ftWaumbek Dam
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 17 ftBelleau Lake Dam
Carroll, NH
Significant Hazard 16 ftShapleigh Pond
York, ME
Low Hazard 16 ftUnion Meadows Dam
Carroll, NH
Significant Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Great East Lake Dam?
Great East 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 Great East Lake Dam?
Great East 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 Great East Lake Dam built?
Great East Lake Dam was completed in 1825, making it 201 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 Great East Lake Dam?
Great East 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 Great East Lake Dam?
Great East Lake Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Great East Lake Dam last inspected?
Great East Lake Dam was last inspected on April 25, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.