Lower Lead Mountain Reservoir Report
Nearby: Leighton Brook Bog Brook
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Lower Lead Mountain is a privately owned recreational dam located in Hancock, Maine, along the Starvation Branch river.
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Summary
Built in 1900, this dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a length of 120 feet. It serves the primary purpose of recreation, offering a storage capacity of 5,510 acre-feet and a spillway width of 50 feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Lower Lead Mountain is a picturesque structure that contributes to the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Managed by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of Maine. While it does not have any associated structures or locks, Lower Lead Mountain provides a serene recreational space for visitors to enjoy. Despite its age, the dam has not been modified over the years and has not undergone a recent condition assessment. Its emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified, reflecting a need for further evaluation and documentation to ensure the safety and sustainability of this water resource.
With its historical significance and tranquil setting, Lower Lead Mountain remains a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts. While its condition assessment may be lacking, the dam's low hazard potential and regulated status offer reassurance of its overall safety. As efforts continue to preserve and maintain this recreational structure, it serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible stewardship of our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
120 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
Starvation Branch |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Nid Storage |
5510 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lower Lead Mountain