Wadleigh Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Wadleigh, located in Lyman, Maine, is a concrete dam built in 1920 on Swan Pond Creek, serving primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This structure stands at 14 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 11 feet, providing a storage capacity of 894 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 203 acres. With a drainage area of 7.4 square miles, Wadleigh plays a crucial role in managing water resources in York County, Maine.

Despite its fair condition assessment as of May 2016, Wadleigh poses a significant hazard potential and undergoes inspections every 6 years to ensure its structural integrity. Managed by the Private owner, this dam is regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and falls under state jurisdiction for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With its historical significance and role in the local ecosystem, Wadleigh remains a key feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region, offering opportunities for recreation and conservation efforts.

As a part of the New England District, Wadleigh's association with the Swan Pond Creek highlights its importance in maintaining ecological balance and providing recreational opportunities for the surrounding community. With efforts to meet safety guidelines and manage potential risks, Wadleigh stands as a symbol of environmental stewardship and serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region. For those passionate about water resources and climate resilience, Wadleigh presents a compelling case study in balancing human needs with environmental protection.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

Swan Pond Creek

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

203

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

7.4

Nid Storage

894

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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.