Great Brook Reservoir Report
Nearby: Heart Pond New Pond
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Great Brook in Damariscotta, Maine is a timber crib dam completed in 1962 with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.
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Summary
The dam stands at 18 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a length of 280 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 26 acre-feet. The dam is owned by a public utility and regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, Great Brook dam continues to provide valuable hydroelectric power for the surrounding area. The dam's last inspection in May 2020 revealed no major issues, and an emergency action plan is in place to address any potential risks. With its location in the beautiful Lincoln County, Great Brook serves as a vital water resource and contributes to the local climate resilience efforts.
Overall, Great Brook dam stands as a testament to sustainable energy generation and responsible water resource management in Maine. Its history, design, and purpose make it a key player in the state's hydroelectric infrastructure, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical structures in the face of changing climate conditions. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the role that Great Brook plays in both energy production and environmental stewardship in the region.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
0 |
Primary Dam Type |
Timber Crib |
Surface Area |
6 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
45 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Great Brook