Swanzey Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Swanzey Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in New Hampshire. It was completed in 1790 and is 236 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 12 ft (taller than 28.2% in NH) |
| Dam Length | 150 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 641 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 348 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 111 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 545 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1790 (236 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1989 |
| NID ID | NH00205 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
TOWN OF SWANZEY
Local Government
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High Hazard 18 ftLarrys Pond Dam
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Low Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Swanzey Lake Dam?
Swanzey 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 Swanzey Lake Dam?
Swanzey Lake Dam is owned by TOWN OF SWANZEY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Swanzey Lake Dam built?
Swanzey Lake Dam was completed in 1790, making it 236 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 Swanzey Lake Dam?
Swanzey 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 Swanzey Lake Dam?
Swanzey Lake Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Swanzey Lake Dam last inspected?
Swanzey Lake Dam was last inspected on June 2, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.