Skelton Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located on the Saco River in Biddeford, Maine, Skelton is a privately-owned hydroelectric dam that was completed in 1948.


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Summary

With a dam height of 75 feet and a length of 1695 feet, Skelton has a storage capacity of 25,250 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and recreation. The dam has a high hazard potential and is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Despite being privately owned, Skelton is not state-regulated and does not require permitting, inspection, or enforcement by state agencies. The dam features a spillway width of 260 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 160,000 cubic feet per second. In the event of an emergency, the dam is equipped with a slide gate and eight radial gates for water release.

With a moderate risk assessment rating, Skelton does not have a current condition assessment available. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in December 2019, and the dam has not undergone any recent modifications. Skelton remains a significant structure on the Saco River, providing both energy production and recreational opportunities for the surrounding community.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

1695

Dam Height

75

River Or Stream

Saco River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

488

Drainage Area

1622

Nid Storage

25250

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Tainter (radial) - 8

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

75
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.