Merrymeeting Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Merrymeeting Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1924 and is 102 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 | 22 ft (taller than 76.5% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 285 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 14.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 12.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,241 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 977 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1924 (102 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1982 |
| NID ID | NH00342 |
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 FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
State Government
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Significant Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Merrymeeting Lake Dam?
Merrymeeting 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 Merrymeeting Lake Dam?
Merrymeeting Lake Dam is owned by NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Merrymeeting Lake Dam built?
Merrymeeting Lake Dam was completed in 1924, making it 102 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 Merrymeeting Lake Dam?
Merrymeeting 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 Merrymeeting Lake Dam?
Merrymeeting Lake Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Merrymeeting Lake Dam last inspected?
Merrymeeting Lake Dam was last inspected on August 10, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.