Suncook Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Suncook Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1882 and is 144 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 | 16 ft (taller than 54.9% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 180 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 7.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 724 acres |
| Drainage Area | 55 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,530 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1882 (144 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1979 |
| NID ID | NH00013 |
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 DES WATER DIVISION
State Government
Nearby Dams
Locke Lake Dam
Belknap, NH
Low Hazard 12 ftBarnstead Parade Dam
Belknap, NH
High Hazard 16 ftUpper Recreation Pond Dam
Belknap, NH
Low Hazard 14 ftWong Wildlife Pond Dam
Belknap, NH
Low Hazard 19 ftCrystal Lake Dam
Belknap, NH
High Hazard 16 ftWhites Pond Dam and Dike
Merrimack, NH
High Hazard 15 ftAdams Pond Dam
Belknap, NH
Low Hazard 10 ftBerry Pond Dam
Merrimack, NH
High Hazard 18 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Suncook Lake Dam?
Suncook 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 Suncook Lake Dam?
Suncook Lake Dam is owned by NH DES WATER DIVISION (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Suncook Lake Dam built?
Suncook Lake Dam was completed in 1882, making it 144 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 Suncook Lake Dam?
Suncook 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 Suncook Lake Dam?
Suncook Lake Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Suncook Lake Dam last inspected?
Suncook Lake Dam was last inspected on July 14, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.