Gardner Brook Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Gardner Brook is a private hydroelectric dam located in Oxford, Maine, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, and hydroelectric power.


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Summary

The concrete dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a hydraulic height of 10 feet, with a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. Completed in 1986, the dam serves the local area with a normal storage capacity of 100 acre-feet and a surface area of 10 acres.

Managed by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Gardner Brook is state-regulated for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for condition assessment. The last inspection was conducted in November 2000, with a frequency of 12 inspections per year. While the dam does not currently have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, it meets state guidelines for risk management measures.

The dam's location along Gardner Brook contributes to the overall water resource management in the area, providing essential services while ensuring compliance with state regulations. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate conservation can appreciate Gardner Brook's role in sustaining local ecosystems and supporting renewable energy production through hydroelectric power generation.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Gardner Brook

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

140

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.