Sargent Lake Dam

BADGER BROOK· Belknap, New Hampshire· Built 1870· Earth· 17 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Sargent Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1870 and is 156 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 17 ft (taller than 59.6% in NH)
Dam Length422 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage415 acre-ft
Normal Storage290 acre-ft
Surface Area43 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1870 (156 years old)
NID IDNH00086

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: November 17, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

SARGENT LAKE ASSOC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sargent Lake Dam?

Sargent 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 Sargent Lake Dam?

Sargent Lake Dam is owned by SARGENT LAKE ASSOC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sargent Lake Dam built?

Sargent Lake Dam was completed in 1870, making it 156 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 Sargent Lake Dam?

Sargent 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 Sargent Lake Dam?

Sargent Lake Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Sargent Lake Dam last inspected?

Sargent Lake Dam was last inspected on November 17, 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.