Northwood Lake Dam, located in Epsom, New Hampshire, serves as a recreational spot along the Little Suncook River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1926, this concrete dam stands at a height of 13 feet and has a length of 169 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 3,200 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 2,100 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 688 acres and has a drainage area of 23.3 square miles.
Despite its historical significance and recreational purpose, Northwood Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, which oversees its regulation, inspection, and enforcement. With a spillway width of 100 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1,629 cubic feet per second, the dam presents moderate risk (3) and is in need of risk management measures to ensure public safety.
Given its critical condition and hazard potential, Northwood Lake Dam requires regular inspections, emergency action plans, and updated risk assessment to mitigate potential risks to the surrounding community and environment. As a key water resource in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and management of infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1926 |
Dam Length |
169 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE SUNCOOK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
688 |
Drainage Area |
23.3 |
Nid Storage |
3200 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
Suncook River At North Chichester
|
62cfs |
Soucook River
|
22cfs |
Cocheco River Near Rochester
|
23cfs |
Isinglass R At Rochester Neck Rd
|
20cfs |
Oyster River Near Durham
|
2cfs |
Lamprey River Near Newmarket
|
42cfs |