Dead River Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Dead River in Maine is a state-regulated dam that serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1900, this concrete gravity dam stands at 18 feet tall and spans 150 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. Situated in Androscoggin County, this dam plays a crucial role in managing the flow of the Dead River, which has a drainage area of 86 square miles.

Despite its age, Dead River has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. The dam is inspected annually by the Maine Emergency Management Agency, ensuring that it meets state regulatory standards for safety. While the dam's condition assessment is not available, its emergency action plan readiness and risk management measures are not specified in the data. However, the dam's location and purpose make it a key asset for flood risk reduction in the region.

Overall, Dead River is a significant infrastructure project in Maine that contributes to the state's water resource management efforts. As climate change continues to impact the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, dams like Dead River play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting communities downstream. With its long history of service and strategic location, Dead River remains a vital component of Maine's water infrastructure network.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

Dead

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

4058

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

86

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.