Sunapee
Sunapee is a masonry dam located in Sullivan County, New Hampshire, built in 1856. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Sunapee
The primary purpose of Sunapee is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Town Of Sunapee, Nh (local government). It impounds the Sugar River near Newport.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 71 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 45 square miles. Completed in 1856, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 08/26/2022.
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Location
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Sullivan |
| Nearest City | Newport |
| River/Stream | Sugar River |
| Coordinates | 43.38610, -72.08320 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 71 ft |
| Year Completed | 1856 (170 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 45 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Town of Sunapee, NH |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/26/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NH01016 |
| Federal ID | NH01016 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |