Moosehead - West Outlet Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Moosehead - West Outlet, also known as Moosehead Lake West Dam, is a concrete dam located in The Forks, Maine along the Kennebec River.


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Summary

Built in 1835, this hydroelectric dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply. With a height of 20 feet and a length of 830 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1,080,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 74,200 acres.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Moosehead - West Outlet has a significant hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 50 feet and is equipped with six slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. While the dam's condition assessment is not available, it undergoes regular inspections with a frequency of one inspection per year.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Moosehead - West Outlet's historical significance and multifunctional design intriguing. As a key component in the region's hydroelectric infrastructure, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources, providing recreational opportunities, and ensuring water supply reliability for the surrounding communities. Its impressive storage capacity and risk management measures highlight the importance of responsible dam operations in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1835

Dam Length

830

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

Kennebec River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

74200

Drainage Area

1268

Nid Storage

1080000

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 6

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.