Located on the Saco River in Biddeford, Maine, Skelton is a privately-owned hydroelectric dam that was completed in 1948.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Mousam River Near West Kennebunk
|
44cfs |
Presumpscot River At Westbrook
|
-999999cfs |
Saco River At Cornish
|
1020cfs |
Cocheco River Near Rochester
|
24cfs |
Isinglass R At Rochester Neck Rd
|
26cfs |
Oyster River Near Durham
|
2cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Wild Duck Campground & RV Park
|
||
Bayley's Camping Resort
|
||
Ferry Beach Campground
|