Howard Pond
Key Takeaway
Howard Pond is classified as high hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1800 and is 226 years old. Its primary use is other. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 14 ft (taller than 45.1% in ME) |
| Dam Length | 115 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 136 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1800 (226 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1947 |
| NID ID | ME96095 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Howard Pond Preservation Association
Private
Nearby Dams
Stony Brook
Oxford, ME
Low Hazard 12 ftGardner Brook
Oxford, ME
Low Hazard 21 ftLocke Mills
Oxford, ME
Significant Hazard 15 ftPutt Brook
Oxford, ME
Low Hazard 11 ftMount Zircon
Oxford, ME
High Hazard 70 ftRumford Falls Middle Dam
Oxford, ME
Significant Hazard 20 ftRumford Falls Upper Dam
Oxford, ME
High Hazard 40 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Howard Pond?
Howard Pond is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Howard Pond?
Howard Pond is owned by Howard Pond Preservation Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Howard Pond built?
Howard Pond was completed in 1800, making it 226 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 Howard Pond?
Howard Pond serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Howard Pond?
Howard Pond has a dam height of 14 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 Howard Pond last inspected?
Howard Pond was last inspected on August 3, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.