American Tissue Reservoir Report
Nearby: New Mills Cascade Pond
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
American Tissue, also known as Gardiner, is a private hydroelectric dam located in Maine along the Cobbosseecontee Stream.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Constructed in 1900, this masonry dam stands at 24 feet high and spans 227 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet. Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the dam has a maximum discharge of 5392 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 100 feet.
With a high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, American Tissue poses a significant challenge for emergency preparedness and risk management. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is not available, indicating a need for further evaluation and monitoring. The presence of three slide gates for outlet control and an uncontrolled spillway add to the complexity of operations and maintenance for this historic structure.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of dams like American Tissue is essential for ensuring sustainable water management practices. With its rich history and critical role in hydroelectric power generation, this dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for balancing energy production with environmental protection and emergency response planning in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
227 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
Cobbosseecontee Stream |
Primary Dam Type |
Masonry |
Surface Area |
12 |
Drainage Area |
220 |
Nid Storage |
108 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Cobbosseecontee Stream At Gardiner
|
138cfs |
Sheepscot River At North Whitefield
|
85cfs |
Kennebec River At North Sidney
|
2090cfs |
Nezinscot River At Turner Center
|
43cfs |
Androscoggin River Near Auburn
|
1770cfs |
Sandy River Near Mercer
|
326cfs |
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.
American Tissue
Litchfield