Harantis Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Harantis Lake Dam, located in Chester, New Hampshire, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and water management.


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Summary

Built in 1935, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of Beaver Brook. With a modest dam height of 13.5 feet and a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet, the dam provides a tranquil oasis in the midst of Rockingham County's natural landscape.

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Harantis Lake Dam currently faces challenges in terms of its condition and hazard potential. A recent inspection in 2018 revealed a poor condition assessment, raising concerns about the dam's long-term stability. With a moderate risk rating and limited risk management measures in place, stakeholders are urged to prioritize maintenance and safety protocols to ensure the dam's continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the intricate balance between human infrastructure and natural ecosystems, Harantis Lake Dam serves as a poignant example of the ongoing need for vigilance and investment in our water management infrastructure. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam presents an opportunity for proactive maintenance and improvements to safeguard its contributions to both recreation and water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

13.5

River Or Stream

BEAVER BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Drainage Area

2.2

Nid Storage

115

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

14
       
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.