Trafton Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: Community Pond Nadeau Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Trafton Lake in Aroostook, Maine, is a vital water resource managed by the local government and regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam, designed by USDA NRCS, stands at 66 feet tall and serves primarily for flood risk reduction. Completed in 1969, it has a storage capacity of 5050 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 104 acres. The dam's hydraulic height is 55 feet, making it a significant structure for water management in the region.
The dam's fair condition assessment and high hazard potential indicate the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its stability and effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With a spillway width of 3 feet and a drainage area of 4 square miles, Trafton Lake plays a crucial role in managing water flow from the Limestone Stream. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve multiple purposes including fire protection, recreation, and stock or small fish pond management, highlighting its importance as a versatile water resource for the community.
Overall, Trafton Lake stands as a key infrastructure for water management in Aroostook, Maine, providing essential flood risk reduction and serving various recreational and ecological purposes. With its significant storage capacity and strategic location on the Limestone Stream, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood hazards and ensuring water availability for the local community. Continued monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to uphold the dam's functionality and safeguard its contributions to water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
1050 |
Dam Height |
66 |
River Or Stream |
Limestone Stream |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
104 |
Hydraulic Height |
55 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
5050 |
Structural Height |
66 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
66 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Aroostook River At Washburn
|
1520cfs |
Williams Brook At Phair
|
3cfs |
Aroostook River Near Masardis
|
825cfs |
Fish River Near Fort Kent
|
695cfs |
St. John River Below Fish R
|
2780cfs |
Meduxnekeag River Near Houlton
|
222cfs |
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.
Trafton Lake