Oliverian Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Oliverian Dam, also known as Baker Site 1 Dam, is a state-owned structure located in Benton, New Hampshire, along the Oliverian Brook.


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Summary

Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction, with a height of 51.5 feet and a length of 1060 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 2664 acre-feet and a drainage area of 11.3 square miles, making it a crucial component in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the NHDES Dam Bureau, Oliverian Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of New Hampshire to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition has been assessed as satisfactory, with the last inspection conducted in October 2020. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, and emergency action plans are in place to mitigate any potential risks associated with the structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Oliverian Dam represents a vital infrastructure that plays a significant role in flood risk reduction and water management in Grafton County, New Hampshire. With its strategic location and design, the dam serves as a critical component in protecting communities and ecosystems along the Oliverian Brook, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1060

Dam Height

51.5

River Or Stream

OLIVERIAN BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Drainage Area

11.3

Nid Storage

2664

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

52
       
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.