Big Meadow dam
Big Meadow
Big Meadow in Edmunds TWP, Maine is a private concrete dam serving multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. Managed by the MEMA, this low hazard potential dam stands at a height of 12 feet with a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet. The structure, completed in an unspecified year, spans 16 feet in length and covers an area of 18 acres.
Situated in Washington County, Maine, Big Meadow's primary function is to provide essential water resources for fire protection and wildlife conservation. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to regular state inspection, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a condition assessment that is currently not rated, the dam remains a vital asset for the surrounding community in Edmunds TWP.
Although lacking detailed information on its construction and modifications, Big Meadow continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. With its strategic location and multi-purpose design, this private dam serves as a valuable asset for maintaining water levels, protecting against potential hazards, and supporting the local ecosystem. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to recognize the significance of structures like Big Meadow in safeguarding our environment and ensuring sustainable water management practices.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Big Meadow -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Dennys River At Dennysville | 1,010 cfs | → |
| St. Croix River At Baring | 1,870 cfs | → |
| Libby Brook Near Northfield | 10 cfs | → |
| Old Stream Near Wesley | 42 cfs | → |
| Grand Lake Stream At Grand Lake Stream | 321 cfs | → |
| Narraguagus River At Cherryfield | 404 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Big Meadow.
Boat launches
- River Road Robbinston
- Vose Pond Road Calais
- Red Trail Whale Cove
- Schoppee Point Road 298, Roque Bluffs
- Maxwell Road Saint George Parish
Track Big Meadow in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Big Meadow
Where does the data for Big Meadow come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Big Meadow.