Patten Brook Reservoir Report
Nearby: Branch Lake Ellsworth
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Patten Brook in Hancock, Maine, is a timber crib dam completed in 1900 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam stands at 9 feet tall and has a length of 100 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2700 acre-feet. The dam sits on Patten Stream and is regulated by the state agency MEMA, with inspection and enforcement regularly conducted to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Despite its low hazard potential, Patten Brook Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. The surrounding area covers 741 acres, offering a serene recreational space for locals and visitors. With a spillway width of 10 feet, the dam serves to reduce flood risks in the region while providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and engineering marvel of Patten Brook Dam while enjoying the natural beauty it helps preserve along Patten Stream.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
Patten Stream |
Primary Dam Type |
Timber Crib |
Surface Area |
741 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Nid Storage |
2700 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Patten Brook