Pemigewasset River Levee Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Pemigewasset River Levee, located in Lincoln, New Hampshire, is a vital structure owned by the local government to reduce flood risk along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth levee stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 1882 feet in length. With a high hazard potential but rated as satisfactory in condition assessment, the levee is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau.

This critical flood risk reduction infrastructure plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation and serves as a defense against high water levels during extreme weather events. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the Pemigewasset River Levee continues to meet regulatory guidelines and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its operational readiness. With its primary purpose focused on flood risk reduction and its location in the Grafton County of New Hampshire, this structure is an essential component of the region's water resource and climate resilience efforts.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the maintenance and upkeep of structures like the Pemigewasset River Levee are essential for safeguarding communities against the increasing threat of flooding. With a designated emergency action plan and satisfactory condition assessment, this levee stands as a testament to proactive flood risk management and underscores the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1882

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

EAST BRANCH PEMIGEWASSET RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

115

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.