Lower West Bay Pond
Key Takeaway
Lower West Bay Pond is classified as high hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 12 ft (taller than 32.9% in ME) |
| Dam Length | 70 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 537 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 448 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 59 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1970 |
| NID ID | ME00703 |
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
Gouldsboro
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lower West Bay Pond?
Lower West Bay 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 Lower West Bay Pond?
Lower West Bay Pond is owned by Gouldsboro (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lower West Bay Pond built?
Lower West Bay Pond was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Lower West Bay Pond?
Lower West Bay Pond serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lower West Bay Pond?
Lower West Bay 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 Lower West Bay Pond last inspected?
Lower West Bay Pond was last inspected on November 11, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.