Crystal Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Crystal Lake Dam, located in Enfield, New Hampshire, stands as a vital structure regulating the flow of Crystal Lake Brook.


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Summary

Built in 1918, this Earth-type dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. With a height of 22 feet and a length of 170 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 4560 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the region.

Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, Crystal Lake Dam is under state jurisdiction for regulation, inspection, and enforcement. The dam boasts a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk level, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While its condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam has an emergency action plan in place, updated in 2014, to respond effectively to any potential risks or incidents.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Crystal Lake Dam presents a fascinating case study of how a historic structure continues to play a crucial role in water management and recreation. As climate change impacts water resources worldwide, the management and maintenance of dams like Crystal Lake Dam are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water systems for future generations.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

170

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

CRYSTAL LAKE BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

378

Drainage Area

13.2

Nid Storage

4560

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.