Lowell Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Lowell Lake, located in Penobscot, Maine, is a privately owned reservoir with a primary purpose that goes beyond just water storage.


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Summary

This rockfill dam, completed in 1900, stands at 12 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 403 acre-feet. Despite its small surface area of 0.5 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

While the dam's hazard potential is considered low, its condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in September 2011. The dam is regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement all in place. The surrounding area is at a low risk for inundation, and there are currently no risk management measures in place.

With its rich history dating back over a century, Lowell Lake remains a significant feature in the water resource landscape of Maine. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts alike will find interest in studying the dam's design, construction, and regulatory framework to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the years to come.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

75

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Lowell Lake

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

0.5

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

403

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.