Silver Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Silver Lake Dam, located in Madison, New Hampshire, is a concrete buttress dam completed in 1926 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at 8 feet high and spans 60 feet in length, holding a storage capacity of 5,500 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 3,000 acre-feet. Situated on the West Ossipee Branch river, the dam has a drainage area of 22.2 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 1,345 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Silver Lake Dam's condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in 2012. The dam is regulated by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in June 2019. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are currently unlisted, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and stability of the structure for both recreational and environmental purposes in the region.

Year Completed

1926

Dam Length

60

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

WEST OSSIPEE BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

995

Drainage Area

22.2

Nid Storage

5500

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.