Foster's Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Foster's Pond in Cumberland, Maine, is a privately owned body of water that serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock farming, and recreation.


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Summary

The dam at Foster's Pond, completed in 1900, is primarily an earth structure with a height of 8 feet and a length of 86 feet. The pond has a storage capacity of 1026 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 603 acre-feet and a surface area of 141 acres. Gristmill Brook serves as the primary water source for the pond.

Despite its low hazard potential, Foster's Pond is regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. The last inspection took place in June 2015, with a scheduled frequency of once every 12 months. The dam's condition is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating the need for further assessment to determine its overall stability and safety.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Foster's Pond provides a valuable case study in the management of small-scale dams for recreation and water supply purposes. With its historical significance dating back over a century, this picturesque pond offers a glimpse into the intricate balance between human activities and natural ecosystems in the context of water resource management.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

86

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

Gristmill Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

141

Hydraulic Height

5

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

1026

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.