New River Channel Dam dam
New River Channel Dam
The New River Channel Dam, located in Hollis, Maine, is a private hydroelectric structure that was completed in 1911 by J. G. White & Co. This concrete dam stands at a height of 13 feet and stretches 350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 2320 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 17000 cubic feet per second. The dam serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation and recreation, making it a valuable asset for the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the New River Channel Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. While the dam has not undergone recent condition assessments, its emergency action plan was last revised in December 2018. With one slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway, the dam provides essential water resource management for the Saco River and surrounding areas. Despite being privately owned, the dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and economy.
As a significant component of the water infrastructure in Cumberland County, Maine, the New River Channel Dam represents a historic and functional piece of engineering that continues to contribute to the region's water resource management and energy production. With its long history and ongoing operation, this dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in harnessing the power of water for societal benefit.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around New River Channel Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Saco River At Cornish | 7,900 cfs | → |
| Presumpscot River At Westbrook | -999,999 cfs | → |
| Mousam River Near West Kennebunk | 267 cfs | → |
| Saco River Near Conway | 1,580 cfs | → |
| Androscoggin River Near Auburn | 8,740 cfs | → |
| Cocheco River Near Rochester | 117 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near New River Channel Dam .
Boat launches
- Sokokis Avenue Limington
- Central Avenue Limerick
- Landing Road 8, Buxton
- Mountain Division Trail Windham
- Gambo Road Gorham
- Tow Path Gorham
Campgrounds
- Goodwins Lodge
- Goodwins Lodge Cabin 6
- Wild Duck Campground & Rv Park
- Migis Lodge
- Bayley's Camping Resort
- Ferry Beach Campground
Paddle runs
Track New River Channel Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About New River Channel Dam
Where does the data for New River Channel Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of New River Channel Dam .