Carleton Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Carleton Pond, located in Winthrop, Maine, is a captivating water resource managed by a public utility with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.


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Summary

Built in 1904, this Earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans 2000 feet, providing a storage capacity of 685 acre-feet. The pond serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock and small fish habitat, as well as supporting the local fish and wildlife populations.

With a surface area of 207 acres and a drainage area of 3 square miles, Carleton Pond is a vital water source in Kennebec County. The dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential but was assessed as satisfactory in its last inspection in September 2019. The emergency action plan was last revised in February 2020, ensuring that the necessary measures are in place to address any potential risks associated with the dam.

Carleton Pond's picturesque setting along Carleton Brook not only provides essential water resources but also contributes to the local ecosystem. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and maintenance of structures like Carleton Pond become increasingly important in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water systems.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

2000

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

Carleton Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

207

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

685

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
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.