Daniels Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Located in Weare, New Hampshire, the Daniels Lake Dam stands as a testament to both engineering and natural beauty.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, this concrete buttress dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a height of 12 feet and a length of 837 feet. The dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 199 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 116 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 52 acres and draining a 5.5 square mile watershed area.

Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau, the dam has a state-regulated status with inspection, permitting, and enforcement in place. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, last assessed in April 2012. The spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 26 feet and a maximum discharge of 859 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date yet to be determined, the overall risk management measures and emergency preparedness remain unspecified.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Daniels Lake Dam represents a vital piece of New Hampshire's infrastructure, blending function with scenic beauty. With its connection to Otter Brook and a role in watershed management, the dam serves as a focal point for recreation while posing moderate risks that require ongoing monitoring and maintenance. As efforts continue to ensure the dam's safety and longevity, its role in the local ecosystem and community remains paramount.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

837

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

OTTER BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

52

Drainage Area

5.5

Nid Storage

199

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
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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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.