Head Tide Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dresden Bog Alna Wcs
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Head Tide is a historic dam located in Lincoln, Maine, along the Sheepscot River.
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Summary
Built in 1880, this concrete structure stands at 22 feet tall and spans 120 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is still in use for recreational purposes, contributing to a surface area of 2 acres and serving a drainage area of 125 square miles.
Managed by the Local Government and regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Head Tide Dam has a low hazard potential but is currently in poor condition according to a 2016 assessment. The dam's last inspection was conducted in 2017, with a frequency of 12 months. Despite its condition, the dam is a key feature along the Sheepscot River and provides valuable recreational opportunities for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and assessment of dams like Head Tide are crucial for ensuring public safety and preserving the surrounding environment. With its rich history and importance for both local communities and the ecosystem, Head Tide serves as a reminder of the significance of sustainable water resource management in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1880 |
Dam Length |
120 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
Sheepscot |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
2 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
125 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Head Tide