Baker River Site 8 Dam Dam
Baker River Site 8 Dam
The Baker River Site 8 Dam, also known as Site 8 Baker, is a state-owned structure in New Hampshire that serves as a crucial element in flood risk reduction efforts. Completed in 1967 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 63 feet and stretches for 1462 feet along the South Branch Baker River. With a storage capacity of 4750 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 143 acre-feet, the dam plays a significant role in managing water levels and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding.
The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment as of May 2018 was deemed satisfactory. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in October 2020. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 rating. While no emergency action plan information is available, the dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by the NHDES Dam Bureau, ensuring that it meets all necessary safety and compliance standards. Overall, the Baker River Site 8 Dam is an essential component in safeguarding the local community and environment from the impacts of flooding and water resource management.
Located in Dorchester, Grafton County, New Hampshire, this dam is a critical infrastructure that contributes to the overall water management system in the region. Its flood risk reduction purpose, combined with its satisfactory condition and regular inspections, highlights the importance of the Baker River Site 8 Dam in ensuring the safety and well-being of the surrounding area. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, structures like this dam play a vital role in mitigating potential risks and protecting communities from the adverse effects of extreme weather events.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Baker River Site 8 Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Baker River Near Rumney | 49 cfs | → |
| Pemigewasset River At Plymouth | 272 cfs | → |
| Smith River Near Bristol | 25 cfs | → |
| Ompompanoosuc River At Union Village | 16 cfs | → |
| Pemigewasset River At Woodstock | 207 cfs | → |
| Connecticut River At West Lebanon | 2,570 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Baker River Site 8 Dam.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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River runs
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About Baker River Site 8 Dam
Where does the data for Baker River Site 8 Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.