Webster Lake Dam
Webster Lake Dam is a concrete dam located in Merrimack County, New Hampshire, built in 1873. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Webster Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Webster Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Nh Des Water Division (state). It impounds the Chance Pond Brook near Franklin.
The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 133 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 612 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,650 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 19 square miles. Completed in 1873, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/12/2022.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New Hampshire dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Merrimack |
| Nearest City | Franklin |
| River/Stream | Chance Pond Brook |
| Coordinates | 43.44940, -71.66940 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Length | 133 ft |
| Year Completed | 1873 (153 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,650 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,650 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 612 acres |
| Drainage Area | 19 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,557 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | NH DES WATER DIVISION |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/12/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NH00410 |
| Federal ID | NH00410 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |