Second Connecticut Lake Dam dam
Second Connecticut Lake Dam
Located in Pittsburg, New Hampshire, the Second Connecticut Lake Dam stands as a testament to the state's commitment to harnessing hydroelectric power. Completed in 1935, this earth dam boasts a height of 28 feet and a length of 568 feet, with a capacity to store up to 12,500 acre-feet of water. Situated on the Connecticut River, this dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow, generating power, and supporting the surrounding ecosystem.
Managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau, the Second Connecticut Lake Dam is subject to regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. With a fair condition assessment and low hazard potential, this dam presents a moderate risk of failure, prompting the need for ongoing risk management and emergency preparedness. Despite its age, the Second Connecticut Lake Dam continues to serve as a vital component of New Hampshire's water resource infrastructure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Second Connecticut Lake Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship. As a key player in the region's hydroelectric network, this dam symbolizes the delicate balance between energy production and ecological preservation. With its historical significance and ongoing importance in water management, the Second Connecticut Lake Dam stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of water resource development in New Hampshire.
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.
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 Second Connecticut Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut R Below Indian Stream Nr Pittsburg | 332 cfs | → |
| Diamond River Near Wentworth Location | 315 cfs | → |
| Androscoggin River At Errol | 2,410 cfs | → |
| Connecticut River At North Stratford | 1,420 cfs | → |
| Upper Ammonoosuc River Near Groveton | 511 cfs | → |
| Ellis River At South Andover | 318 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Second Connecticut Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- First Connecticut Lake Boat Launch
- Back Lake Boat Launch
- Chemin Du Lac Saint-Malo
- Back Pond Boat Launch
- Lake Access Road Canaan
- Chemin De La Rivière-Bergeron Piopolis
Track Second Connecticut Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Second Connecticut Lake Dam
Where does the data for Second Connecticut Lake Dam 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Second Connecticut Lake Dam.