Second Connecticut Lake Dam

CONNECTICUT RIVER· Coos, New Hampshire· Built 1849· Earth· 28 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Second Connecticut Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1849 and is 177 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 84.8% in NH)
Dam Length568 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage12.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage11.7K acre-ft
Surface Area1,300 acres
Drainage Area45 sq mi
Max Discharge11,000 cfs
Year Completed1849 (177 years old)
Year Modified1934
NID IDNH00187

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 24, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NH DES

Ownership

GREAT RIVER HYDRO LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Second Connecticut Lake Dam?

Second Connecticut Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Second Connecticut Lake Dam?

Second Connecticut Lake Dam is owned by GREAT RIVER HYDRO LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Second Connecticut Lake Dam built?

Second Connecticut Lake Dam was completed in 1849, making it 177 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 Second Connecticut Lake Dam?

Second Connecticut Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Second Connecticut Lake Dam?

Second Connecticut Lake Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Second Connecticut Lake Dam last inspected?

Second Connecticut Lake Dam was last inspected on June 24, 2019. 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.