Eel Weir Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mill Pond Little Sebago Lake
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Eel Weir, located in South Windham, Maine, is a captivating masonry dam completed in 1879 for hydroelectric purposes along the beautiful Presumpscot River.
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Summary
With a height of 22 feet and a storage capacity of 330,000 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction, water supply, recreation, and supporting fish and wildlife habitats in the area. Its uncontrolled spillway, 115 feet wide, ensures safe water discharge during high flow events.
Managed by a private owner and regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Eel Weir poses a high hazard potential due to its age and condition assessment being not available. Despite this, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures. The dam features five slide gates for water control and is inspected annually to ensure its safety and functionality, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Eel Weir stands as a historic and vital structure in Maine's water infrastructure, blending both functionality and environmental stewardship. Its presence not only supports clean energy generation through hydroelectric power but also contributes to the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem and recreational opportunities for the community. As concerns about climate change and water resource management continue to grow, Eel Weir serves as a reminder of the balance between harnessing water resources for human needs and protecting the natural world for future generations.
Year Completed |
1879 |
Dam Length |
1310 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
Presumpscot River |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
28771 |
Drainage Area |
441 |
Nid Storage |
330000 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 5 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Presumpscot River At Westbrook
|
-999999cfs |
Saco River At Cornish
|
1020cfs |
Androscoggin River Near Auburn
|
2700cfs |
Mousam River Near West Kennebunk
|
44cfs |
Nezinscot River At Turner Center
|
43cfs |
Little Androscoggin River Near South Paris
|
57cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Migis Lodge
|
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Goodwins Lodge
|
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Goodwins Lodge CABIN 6
|
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Laurel South
|
Eel Weir
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