Moosehead - East Outlet, also known as Moosehead Lake East Dam, is a significant hydroelectric structure located in The Forks, Maine.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1835, this concrete dam stands at a height of 25.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 1,080,000 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, the dam also serves purposes such as flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply for the region.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Moosehead - East Outlet is a key player in the water resource management of the Kennebec River. With a spillway width of 484 feet and a maximum discharge of 54,000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in controlling water flow and mitigating flood risks in the area. Despite its age, the dam's hazard potential is considered significant, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures to ensure its continued safe operation.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Moosehead - East Outlet offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of infrastructure, energy generation, and environmental stewardship. As a historic structure with a high-risk profile, the dam's role in balancing water management needs with ecological concerns underscores the complex challenges faced in sustaining water resources for future generations. Its location in the beautiful surroundings of Somerset County, Maine, also makes it a prime spot for exploring the interconnectedness of human activity and natural landscapes in the context of climate change and water sustainability.
Year Completed |
1835 |
Dam Length |
1004 |
Dam Height |
25.5 |
River Or Stream |
Kennebec River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
74200 |
Drainage Area |
1268 |
Nid Storage |
1080000 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 31, Tainter (radial) - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
26 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Beach Haven campsite
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Casey's Spencer Bay Camps
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Lily Bay State Park
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Jewett Cove
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Salmon Island
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