Highland Lake Westbrook Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Highland Lake Westbrook, located in Cumberland, Maine, is a concrete dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1930, this dam stands at 11 feet tall and has a hydraulic height of 6 feet, providing a storage capacity of 6,625 acre-feet. With a surface area of 634 acres and a drainage area of 8.7 square miles, the dam serves as a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy various recreational activities.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Highland Lake Westbrook has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition as assessed in 2011. The dam features a spillway width of 125 feet and is equipped with inspection and enforcement measures by the state of Maine. The last inspection was conducted in 2014, with a scheduled frequency of every 12 months to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

With its picturesque location along Mill Brook and the involvement of local and state agencies in its management and regulation, Highland Lake Westbrook offers a unique opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate the importance of proper dam maintenance and the balance between recreational use and environmental conservation. This historic dam continues to be a vital part of the community's landscape, providing both aesthetic beauty and valuable recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

87

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Mill Brook

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

634

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

8.7

Nid Storage

6625

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.