Lower Ipc Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Newfound Lake Dam Ayers Island
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Lower Ipc Dam, located in Bristol, New Hampshire, on the Newfound River, is a private hydroelectric dam completed in 1934.
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Summary
Standing at 16 feet high and 87 feet long, this concrete dam serves as a crucial water resource in the region, with a storage capacity of 31 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam's primary purpose remains hydroelectric power generation, contributing to the sustainable use of water resources in the area.
Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau, Lower Ipc Dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. However, with a poor condition assessment and a significant hazard potential, there are concerns about the dam's safety and resilience in the face of climate change impacts. The risk assessment categorizes the dam's risk as moderate, highlighting the need for appropriate risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding communities and environment from potential disasters.
As a key infrastructure for water resource management and renewable energy generation, Lower Ipc Dam plays a vital role in the local ecosystem and economy. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals alike are keenly interested in the dam's operations, maintenance, and future resilience strategies to address the challenges posed by a changing climate. With ongoing monitoring and risk management efforts, Lower Ipc Dam continues to be a focal point for sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation in the region.
Year Completed |
1934 |
Dam Length |
87 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
NEWFOUND RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
2.8 |
Drainage Area |
96.1 |
Nid Storage |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Smith River Near Bristol
|
35cfs |
Pemigewasset River At Plymouth
|
407cfs |
Merrimack River At Franklin Junction
|
857cfs |
Winnipesaukee River At Tilton
|
85cfs |
Baker River Near Rumney
|
69cfs |
Blackwater River Near Webster
|
19cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Clark Brook Campsite
|
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Cardigan Campsites
|
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Camp Wilmot
|
Lower Ipc Dam
Mooney Clark Landing Road Bristol
Begins In Franklin To Sewall'S Island