Littlefield River Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

The Littlefield River in York, Maine, is a vital water resource managed by the local government with oversight from the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).


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Summary

This concrete dam, completed in 1890, serves primarily for flood risk reduction but also supports fire protection, stock maintenance, and small fish ponds. With a height of 11 feet and a storage capacity of 284 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential hazards while maintaining a low hazard potential rating.

The Littlefield River dam covers a drainage area of 22 square miles, with a normal storage capacity of 162 acre-feet and a surface area of 26 acres. The structure has a hydraulic height of 9 feet and a length of 115 feet, contributing to its effective flood risk reduction capabilities. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, it undergoes regular inspections every 12 years to ensure its reliability and safety. Additionally, the presence of an emergency action plan (EAP) and updated emergency contacts highlight the proactive approach taken to manage potential risks and ensure community safety in case of emergencies.

Overall, the Littlefield River dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for water management and flood risk reduction in the region. With its historical significance and continued operational effectiveness, this structure serves as a testament to responsible water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Maine.

Year Completed

1890

Dam Length

115

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

Littlefield

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

26

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

22

Nid Storage

284

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.