Stony Brook Reservoir Report
Nearby: Howard Pond Gardner Brook
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Stony Brook, located in Newry, Maine, is a privately owned hydroelectric dam completed in 1976 with a primary purpose of generating hydroelectric power.
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Summary
The dam, made of concrete and gravity structures with a height of 12 feet and a length of 100 feet, has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock and small fish pond, fish and wildlife pond, as well as recreation. The dam is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and has a low hazard potential.
Although Stony Brook Dam has a low hazard potential, it has a very high risk assessment level, indicating potential vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 22 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second. The dam is not currently inspected regularly, with the last inspection taking place in June 2019 and an inspection frequency of 3 years. Emergency action plans and risk management measures for the dam seem to be lacking, highlighting the importance of addressing potential risks and ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding area and water resources.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Stony Brook presents an interesting case study of a privately owned hydroelectric dam with multiple purposes and regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The dam's location in Oxford County, Maine, its low hazard potential, and high risk assessment level underscore the importance of proactive risk management and emergency preparedness measures. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, ensuring the safety and resilience of dams like Stony Brook is crucial in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from potential hazards and disruptions.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
Stony Brook |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
12 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Ellis River At South Andover
|
74cfs |
Androscoggin River At Rumford
|
3360cfs |
Swift River Near Roxbury
|
89cfs |
Wild River At Gilead
|
48cfs |
Little Androscoggin River Near South Paris
|
57cfs |
Androscoggin River Near Gorham
|
1720cfs |
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 |
|---|---|---|
Grafton Notch Campground
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Town Corner Campsite
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Bethel Outdoor Adventures and Campground
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Lane Camp Site
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Stony Brook