Bar Mills Reservoir Report
Nearby: Skelton Cooks Brook Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bar Mills is a captivating hydroelectric dam located in Buxton, Maine, along the Saco River.
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Summary
Built in 1956, this concrete structure stands at a height of 25 feet and stretches 460 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation, making it a vital resource for the local community.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Bar Mills has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite its age, the dam is well-maintained and regularly inspected, with the last assessment conducted in September 2018. With its uncontrolled spillway and maximum discharge capacity of 16,320 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and energy production in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Bar Mills to be a fascinating example of sustainable infrastructure that balances multiple functions while ensuring the safety and well-being of the surrounding environment. As a key player in the local water management system, this hydroelectric dam showcases the importance of renewable energy sources and responsible resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
Saco River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
263 |
Drainage Area |
1595 |
Nid Storage |
600 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 |
Androscoggin River Near Auburn
|
2080cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Bar Mills
Landing Road 8, Buxton