Balch Pond
Key Takeaway
Balch Pond is classified as significant hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 12 ft (taller than 32.9% in ME) |
| Dam Length | 213 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 704 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1997 |
| NID ID | ME00040 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Acton/Newfield, Towns of
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Rock Haven Lake
York, ME
Low Hazard 14 ftShapleigh Pond
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Low Hazard 16 ftGreat East Lake Dam
Carroll, NH
High Hazard 15 ftHorn Pond Dam
Carroll, NH
High Hazard 14 ftBelleau Lake Dam
Carroll, NH
Significant Hazard 16 ftSymmes Pond
York, ME
Low Hazard 9 ftSquare Pond
York, ME
Low Hazard 17 ftRowe Dam
Strafford, NH
Low Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Balch Pond?
Balch Pond is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Balch Pond?
Balch Pond is owned by Acton/Newfield, Towns of (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Balch Pond built?
Balch Pond was completed in 1900, making it 126 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Balch Pond?
Balch Pond serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Other, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Balch Pond?
Balch Pond has a dam height of 12 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Balch Pond last inspected?
Balch Pond was last inspected on November 15, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.