Beech River Mill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

The Beech River Mill Dam, located in Ossipee, New Hampshire, is a historic structure completed in 1851 with a primary purpose categorized as "Other." This concrete dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans 61 feet in length, regulating the flow of the Beech River.


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Summary

While the dam is privately owned, it is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the NHDES DAM BUREAU.

With a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the Beech River Mill Dam poses significant risks to the surrounding area. Despite being classified as having a moderate risk level, the dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are not currently updated or prepared. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the preservation and management of historical dam structures may find the Beech River Mill Dam's complex regulatory framework and risk assessment intriguing as they consider its future maintenance and potential impact on the local ecosystem.

Year Completed

1851

Dam Length

61

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

BEECH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Drainage Area

33

Nid Storage

2

Hazard Potential

High

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.