Shirley Pond dam
Shirley Pond
Shirley Pond in Shirley, Maine, is a picturesque water resource managed by the local government for multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreation. This concrete dam, completed in 1959, stands at a height of 13 feet and has a storage capacity of 207 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 156 acre-feet. The pond covers a surface area of 60 acres and serves as a vital water source in the region.
Managed by MEMA, Shirley Pond is a state-regulated water body with inspection, permitting, and enforcement protocols in place to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being rated as low hazard potential and not currently assessed for condition, the dam and pond play a crucial role in the local ecosystem and provide valuable resources for the surrounding community. With its tranquil waters and diverse uses, Shirley Pond is a hub for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable management practices and the intersection of human activity with natural environments.
Located in Piscataquis County, Maine, Shirley Pond's significance extends beyond its hydroelectric function to include recreational opportunities and support for local wildlife. With its rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, this reservoir continues to be a focal point for water management discussions and environmental stewardship efforts in the region. For those passionate about water resources and climate resilience, Shirley Pond offers a compelling case study in sustainable development and the harmonious coexistence of human infrastructure with natural ecosystems.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Shirley Pond -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Piscataquis River At Blanchard | 201 cfs | → |
| Kingsbury Stream At Abbot Village | 128 cfs | → |
| Kennebec River At The Forks | 1,920 cfs | → |
| Piscataquis River Near Dover-Foxcroft | 432 cfs | → |
| Austin Stream At Bingham | 124 cfs | → |
| Kennebec River At Bingham | 6,740 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Shirley Pond.
Boat launches
- State Route 6 Maine
- Boat Landing Road 20, Piscataquis County
- Burnham Pond Road Maine
- West Shore Road Caratunk
- Jackman Road 1139, Rockwood
- Kineo Dock Road Rockwood
Campgrounds
- Lily Bay State Park
- Peaks - Kenny State Park
- Beach Haven Campsite
- Casey's Spencer Bay Camps
- Jewett Cove
- Harrison’S Pierce Pond Camp
Paddle runs
- Kennebec Gorge
- Headwaters To Mouth At West Branch Pleasant River
- Lobster Lake To Confluence With West Branch
- Golden Road Bridge (Approx. 2 Miles Below Lobster Stream) To Confluence With Pine Stream
- Pittston Farm To Golden Road Bridge (Approx. 2 Miles Below Lobster Stream)
- Canada Falls Lake To Pittston Farm
Track Shirley Pond in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Shirley Pond
Where does the data for Shirley Pond come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Shirley Pond.