Upper Little River

About Upper Little River

The primary purpose of Upper Little River is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Belfast Water District (public utility). It impounds the Little River.

The dam stands 34 feet tall and stretches 169 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 49 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 850 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 13 square miles. Completed in 1910, the structure is over a century old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated unsatisfactory, indicating serious safety deficiencies exist that require immediate attention or remedial action. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/13/2022.

At 34 feet, this dam is taller than 80% of dams nationwide.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.