Colton Brook Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Colton Brook is a vital water resource located in Oxford, Maine, designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


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Summary

This Earth dam, completed in 1969, stands at a height of 34 feet and spans 800 feet in length, providing storage capacity of 300 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment in 2017, it remains under state regulation and inspection, ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure.

The dam's location on Colton Brook contributes to its role in managing water flow and reducing flood risks in the area. The surrounding drainage area is 1.4 square miles, with a normal storage capacity of 280 acre-feet and a surface area of 25 acres. The dam's spillway width of 50 feet further enhances its flood control capabilities, showcasing its importance in protecting the local community from potential water-related disasters.

With its association with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and state regulatory agency MEMA, Colton Brook serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Oxford County, Maine. Despite its challenges in terms of condition assessment, the ongoing state inspection and enforcement processes ensure that necessary maintenance and improvements are carried out to uphold the dam's functionality and safeguard the surrounding environment and residents from the impacts of extreme weather events and flooding.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

Colton Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

1.4

Nid Storage

300

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

34
       
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.