Danforth Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 5, 2026

Danforth is a private dam located in the town of Danforth, Maine, along the Baskehegan River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1845, this concrete dam serves primarily as a water supply source, with additional purposes including flood risk reduction. Standing at a height of 16 feet and a length of 160 feet, Danforth has a storage capacity of 93,952 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1,645 acres.

Managed by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Danforth is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of Maine. Despite its age, the dam is rated as having a low hazard potential and is currently not assessed for condition. With the last inspection conducted in August 2019 and an inspection frequency of 12 months, Danforth remains a crucial infrastructure for water management in the region.

Situated in a picturesque location in Washington County, Maine, Danforth plays a vital role in water resource management and flood control along the Baskehegan River. As a key component of the state's infrastructure, it is important to ensure regular maintenance and monitoring to uphold its functionality and safety for the surrounding community and the environment.

Year Completed

1845

Dam Length

160

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

Baskehegan

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

1645

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

178

Nid Storage

93952

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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.