Violette Brook

Violette Brook· Aroostook, Maine· Built 1975· Earth· 75 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Violette Brook is classified as high hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 75 ft (taller than 99% in ME)
Dam Length890 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.1K acre-ft
Surface Area65 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Year Completed1975 (51 years old)
NID IDME00496

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 9, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MEMA

Ownership

Van Buren Water District

Public Utility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Violette Brook?

Violette Brook 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 Violette Brook?

Violette Brook is owned by Van Buren Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Violette Brook built?

Violette Brook was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Violette Brook?

Violette Brook serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Violette Brook?

Violette Brook has a dam height of 75 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 Violette Brook last inspected?

Violette Brook was last inspected on May 9, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.