Sawyer Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Sawyer Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1916 and is 110 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 | 19 ft (taller than 68% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 450 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 91 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1916 (110 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1985 |
| NID ID | NH00016 |
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
SAWYER LAKE VILLAGE DISTRICT
Local Government
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Significant Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sawyer Lake Dam?
Sawyer 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 Sawyer Lake Dam?
Sawyer Lake Dam is owned by SAWYER LAKE VILLAGE DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sawyer Lake Dam built?
Sawyer Lake Dam was completed in 1916, making it 110 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 Sawyer Lake Dam?
Sawyer 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 Sawyer Lake Dam?
Sawyer Lake Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Sawyer Lake Dam last inspected?
Sawyer Lake Dam was last inspected on May 11, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.