Hunnewell Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Hunnewell Lake, located in Aroostook, Maine, is a state-regulated dam on Thibeault Stream with a significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment.


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Summary

Built in 1968, this rockfill dam stands at 12 feet high and has a storage capacity of 575 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 380 acre-feet and a surface area of 65 acres. The dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is used for various purposes, including recreation and water supply.

Despite its age, the dam at Hunnewell Lake is inspected every 6 years by the state regulatory agency, MEMA, with the last inspection conducted in October 2015. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in February 2020, ensuring that proper protocols are in place in case of a potential breach or emergency situation. The dam's location, surrounded by natural beauty, makes it a valuable water resource for the local community and a subject of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to understand the impact of aging infrastructure on our environment.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Thibeault Stream

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

1.5

Nid Storage

575

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

12
       
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.
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