Lower Little River

Lower Little River is a concrete dam located in Waldo County, Maine, built in 1943. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Lower Little River

The primary purpose of Lower 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 36 feet tall and stretches 126 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 39 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 615 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 16 square miles. Completed in 1943, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/05/2022.

At 36 feet, this dam is taller than 83% of dams nationwide.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMaine
CountyWaldo
River/StreamLittle River
Coordinates44.39472, -68.98972

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeConcrete
NID Height36 ft
Dam Height36 ft
Dam Length126 ft
Year Completed1943 (83 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage615 acre-ft
Max Storage615 acre-ft
Normal Storage370 acre-ft
Surface Area39 acres
Drainage Area16 sq mi

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerBelfast Water District
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection05/05/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDME00288
Federal IDME00288
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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