Canada Falls Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Penobscot Lake Long Pond
Last Updated: December 28, 2025
Canada Falls Lake, located in Pittston Farm, Maine, is a concrete gravity dam with a height of 50 feet and a length of 765 feet, completed in 1921 for hydroelectric purposes.
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Summary
The dam's primary function is to provide flood risk reduction, water supply, navigation, recreation, and support for fish and wildlife habitats. With a storage capacity of 21,670 acre-feet and a surface area of 2521 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Canada Falls Lake has a controlled spillway with a width of 155 feet and four slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. The dam's high hazard potential and very high risk assessment highlight the importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam's inspection frequency is set at one year to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being non-state regulated, the dam's significant role in water resource management and climate mitigation efforts make it a key asset in the region.
Overall, Canada Falls Lake serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management, energy production, and environmental conservation in the West Branch Penobscot River watershed. With its historical significance and multi-purpose functionality, the dam plays a crucial role in supporting various sectors while facing high hazard potential and risk assessment challenges. As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Canada Falls Lake remains a noteworthy site for studying the intersection of infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation in Maine's diverse landscape.
Year Completed |
1921 |
Dam Length |
765 |
Dam Height |
50 |
River Or Stream |
West Branch Penobscot River |
Surface Area |
2521 |
Drainage Area |
164 |
Nid Storage |
21670 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 4 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
50 |
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.
Canada Falls Lake
Pittston Farm
To Golden Road Bridge (Approx. 2 Miles Below Lobster Stream)
Canada Falls Lake
To Pittston Farm
Headwaters
To Confluence With South Branch Penobscot River