Otter Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Otter Dam, also known as Two Mile Meadow Dike, is a Federal-owned structure located in Washington County, Maine.


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Summary

Managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Engineering, this Earth-type dam was completed in 1964 and serves as a crucial component for the Fish and Wildlife Pond in the area. With a height of 11 feet and a length of 730 feet, Otter Dam has a storage capacity of 94 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.7 square miles.

The dam's primary purpose is to maintain the Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a normal storage level of 65 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Otter Dam is subject to regular state inspection, permitting, and enforcement by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The dam's spillway is of the controlled type and has a width of 2 feet, while the outlet gates are classified as "Other Controlled." The surrounding area is at a very high risk for inundation, with a risk assessment rating of 1.

Otter Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region, ensuring the sustainability of the Fish and Wildlife Pond and surrounding ecosystem. With its state-regulated status and Federal ownership by the Fish and Wildlife Service, the dam is subject to rigorous monitoring and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. As a vital component of the local water infrastructure, Otter Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of government agencies in safeguarding water resources and mitigating climate-related risks in the area.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

730

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Two Mile Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

94

Structural Height

11

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

11
       
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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.