Bearce Flowage Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Bearce Flowage Dam, located in Washington County, Maine, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this Earth dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a primary purpose of supporting the local ecosystem. The dam stands at 9 feet in height, with a length of 300 feet, and has a storage capacity of 401 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential, Bearce Flowage Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with the last inspection conducted in 2014. The dam has a controlled spillway and other controlled outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 334 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area has a surface area of 71 acres, with a drainage area of 2.9 square miles, making it a vital resource for water management and conservation efforts in the region.

Given its very high risk assessment ranking, it is crucial for the Federal agency responsible for Bearce Flowage Dam to implement proper risk management measures to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the dam. With its central role in supporting the local ecosystem and water resources, proactive maintenance and regular inspections are essential to safeguarding the surrounding environment and mitigating potential risks associated with the dam.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Natrual unnamed channel

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

71

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

2.9

Nid Storage

401

Structural Height

9

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.