Violette Brook Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Violette Brook, located in Van Buren, Aroostook County, Maine, is a vital water resource managed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction and water supply purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1975, stands at a height of 75 feet and has a storage capacity of 3730 acre-feet, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam's fair condition assessment and high hazard potential indicate the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Violette Brook Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks for the local community. The dam's location on Violette Brook, with a drainage area of 10 square miles, underscores its significance in managing water flow and protecting downstream areas from potential inundation. With a hydraulic height of 65 feet and a spillway width of 4 feet, the dam is equipped to handle significant water discharge events, further enhancing its flood risk reduction capabilities.

In the event of an emergency, it is essential for stakeholders to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, ensuring timely responses and effective risk management measures. Regular inspections and adherence to regulatory guidelines by MEMA are crucial for maintaining the dam's integrity and safeguarding the surrounding community from potential hazards. Violette Brook Dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive water resource management in safeguarding against climate-related risks and ensuring the resilience of local infrastructure.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

890

Dam Height

75

River Or Stream

Violette Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

65

Drainage Area

10

Nid Storage

3730

Structural Height

75

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

75
       
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.