Bear Pond Reservoir Report
Nearby: Keoka Lake Crystal Lake
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Bear Pond, located in Oxford, Maine, is a privately owned water resource regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency.
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Summary
The dam at Bear Pond, completed in 1900, is primarily used for purposes such as recreation and water supply. With a height of 15 feet and a hydraulic height of 12 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1024 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 820 acre-feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, Bear Pond's dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed during the last inspection in October 2017. The dam has a surface area of 218 acres and drains an area of 11.3 square miles through the Bear River. While the dam structure consists of stone and concrete, it lacks certain features such as spillways and outlet gates. The primary purpose of the dam is listed as 'Other', indicating its importance beyond traditional water resource management.
With concerns over the dam's condition and maintenance, water resource and climate enthusiasts should keep an eye on Bear Pond for potential developments in risk management and infrastructure updates. As a critical piece of the local water supply and recreational landscape, efforts to ensure the safety and sustainability of Bear Pond's dam will be crucial in the face of changing climate and increasing water resource demands in the region.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
105 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
Bear River |
Primary Dam Type |
Stone |
Surface Area |
218 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
11.3 |
Nid Storage |
1024 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Little Androscoggin River Near South Paris
|
57cfs |
Saco River Near Conway
|
315cfs |
Wild River At Gilead
|
48cfs |
Saco River At Cornish
|
1020cfs |
Androscoggin River Near Auburn
|
2700cfs |
Nezinscot River At Turner Center
|
43cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Salmon Point City Campground
|
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SEEDS OF PEACE CAMP
|
||
Office/Recreation Hall
|
||
Fiddlehead Campground B9
|
||
Dunn's Campground
|
Bear Pond