Ruffingham Wma Reservoir Report
Nearby: Trues Pond Kingdom Bog
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Ruffingham Wma, located in Waldo, Maine, is a state-owned water management area that offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities.
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Summary
The dam at Ruffingham Wma, completed in 1950, serves multiple purposes, including creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond and providing recreational opportunities for visitors. The dam is primarily made of concrete and has a height of 14 feet, with a spillway width of 26 feet.
The Bartlett Stream flows through Ruffingham Wma, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors to enjoy. The dam has a storage capacity of 1,540 acre-feet and a surface area of 310 acres, making it an important resource for water management in the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further evaluation and potential maintenance measures to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.
While Ruffingham Wma is primarily used for recreation, it also plays a role in water resource management in the region. The state of Maine regulates the dam, with the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) overseeing permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. With its scenic beauty and important role in water management, Ruffingham Wma is a valuable resource for both outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in climate resilience and water resource management.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
291 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
Bartlett Stream |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
310 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
1540 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
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.
Ruffingham Wma