Ossipee Lake Dam Berry Bay Dam
Ossipee Lake Dam Berry Bay
Ossipee Lake Dam Berry Bay, located in Freedom, New Hampshire, is a state-regulated concrete dam built in 1919 primarily for recreation purposes. The dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 150 feet, creating a storage capacity of 47,200 acre-feet. With a surface area of 4,095 acres and a drainage area of 357 acres, the dam serves as a vital water resource in the region, particularly for recreational activities on Ossipee Lake.
Despite its age, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition with a low hazard potential. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in October 2017, to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. The dam is overseen by the NHDES Dam Bureau and meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, appropriate risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential issues and ensure the ongoing safety of the dam and surrounding areas.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ossipee Lake Dam Berry Bay represents a fascinating intersection of infrastructure, recreation, and environmental stewardship. As a key component of the Ossipee River watershed, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels, providing recreational opportunities, and maintaining the ecological balance of the region. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible water management in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing demands on water resources.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Ossipee Lake Dam Berry Bay -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bearcamp River At South Tamworth | 22 cfs | → |
| Saco River Near Conway | 294 cfs | → |
| Saco River At Cornish | 997 cfs | → |
| Pemigewasset River At Plymouth | 272 cfs | → |
| Mousam River Near West Kennebunk | 32 cfs | → |
| Pemigewasset River At Woodstock | 141 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ossipee Lake Dam Berry Bay.
Boat launches
See all →
Campgrounds
See all →
River runs
See all →
More reservoirs
See all →
About Ossipee Lake Dam Berry Bay
Where does the data for Ossipee Lake Dam Berry Bay come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.