Burntland Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Burntland is a key water resource structure located in Aroostook, Maine, designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the Burntland Stream.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at 30 feet high and stretches 2385 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 6000 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by MEMA and undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its functionality for flood risk reduction purposes.

The dam's hazard potential is classified as low, with a condition assessment currently not rated due to its last inspection dating back to 1996. Despite this, Burntland serves as a crucial asset in managing water resources in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 4565 acre-feet and a surface area of 400 acres. The dam's spillway width of 200 feet further enhances its ability to handle excess water flow during times of heavy precipitation, providing vital protection to downstream areas.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Burntland remains a significant structure in the New England District, overseen by state regulatory agencies to ensure its operational integrity. With a focus on flood risk reduction, this dam plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the local community from potential water-related disasters, showcasing the importance of effective water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

2385

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Burntland Stream

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

400

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

22

Nid Storage

6000

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.