Penacook Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Penacook Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1873 and is 153 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 9 ft (taller than 10.9% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 265 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 360 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1873 (153 years old) |
| NID ID | NH00360 |
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
CITY OF CONCORD
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Briar Pipe
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Low Hazard 17 ftYork
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Low Hazard 10 ftPenacook Lower Falls Diversion
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Low Hazard 15 ftPenacook Upper Falls
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Low Hazard 23 ftHargate Dam
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Low Hazard 14 ftTurkey Pond Dam
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High Hazard 15 ftTurtle Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Penacook Lake Dam?
Penacook 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 Penacook Lake Dam?
Penacook Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF CONCORD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Penacook Lake Dam built?
Penacook Lake Dam was completed in 1873, making it 153 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 Penacook Lake Dam?
Penacook Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Penacook Lake Dam?
Penacook Lake Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Penacook Lake Dam last inspected?
Penacook Lake Dam was last inspected on October 25, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.