Mcdonough Brook Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 16, 2025

Mcdonough Brook is a vital water resource in Oxford, Maine, known for its critical role in flood risk reduction.


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Summary

The dam associated with the brook, completed in 1973, stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 420 acre-feet. It covers a surface area of 30 acres and serves a drainage area of 7.5 square miles. Despite its significance in managing water levels and reducing flood risks, the dam has been assessed to be in poor condition, with a high hazard potential.

Owned and regulated by the local government, Mcdonough Brook is under the jurisdiction of the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), ensuring regular inspection, enforcement, and permitting to maintain its functionality. The dam is designed by the USDA NRCS and falls under the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Located in the New England District, Mcdonough Brook is a key structure in the region's water resource management, although its poor condition and high hazard potential highlight the need for immediate attention and potential risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

245

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

McDonough Brook

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

7.5

Nid Storage

420

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

19
       
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.