Silver Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Orland Village Ulmer Brook
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Silver Lake, located in Bucksport, Maine, is a privately owned dam with a primary purpose of water supply.
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Summary
Built in 1930, this earth dam stands at 29 feet tall and spans 465 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 12,700 acre-feet. The dam regulates the Tannery River and serves as a critical water resource for the surrounding area.
Managed by the Maine Emergency Management Agency, Silver Lake is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a hazard potential rated as high and a fair condition assessment, the dam has emergency action plans in place, although their last revision was in March 2020. Despite the risks associated with its high hazard potential, Silver Lake continues to provide essential water supply functions for the community.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Silver Lake become increasingly crucial. With a focus on water supply and a history dating back to the early 20th century, Silver Lake serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
465 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
Tannery |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
710 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Nid Storage |
12700 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Silver Lake