Popple Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Vose Pond Dam Upper Goodall Heath Dam
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Popple Dam, located in Washington County, Maine, is a federal-owned structure managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Engineering.
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Summary
Built in 1963, this earth dam stands at 9 feet tall and stretches for 1025 feet along the East Branch Magurrewock River. The primary purpose of Popple Dam is to create a fish and wildlife pond, with a storage capacity of 201 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.4 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, Popple Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of its last inspection in June 2014. The dam features a spillway width of 140 feet and other controlled outlet gates. While it is state-regulated and subject to regular inspections, the dam's poor condition raises concerns for its long-term structural integrity and the potential risks it poses to the surrounding environment and communities. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts may find Popple Dam an intriguing case study for examining the intersection of dam infrastructure, wildlife conservation, and climate resilience in the Northeast region.
With its unique design and historical significance, Popple Dam offers a fascinating opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore the complexities of managing and maintaining critical infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. As policymakers and regulators work to address the dam's poor condition and ensure its long-term stability, the case of Popple Dam serves as a reminder of the interconnected challenges of water resource management, environmental conservation, and climate adaptation in the 21st century.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1025 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
East Branch Magurrewock |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
201 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
St. Croix River At Baring
|
1100cfs |
Dennys River At Dennysville
|
1010cfs |
Grand Lake Stream At Grand Lake Stream
|
113cfs |
Old Stream Near Wesley
|
27cfs |
St. Croix River At Vanceboro
|
369cfs |
Libby Brook Near Northfield
|
9cfs |
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.
Popple Dam