Spencer Lake Reservoir Report
Nearby: King And Bartlett Lake Flagstaff
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Spencer Lake, located in Somerset, Maine, is a private hydroelectric dam with a primary purpose of generating power.
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Summary
Constructed in 1946, this concrete dam stands at 14 feet high and spans 120 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 8,230 acre-feet. The lake covers an expansive surface area of 1,819 acres and is regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
The dam on Spencer Lake plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction, recreation, and providing a habitat for fish and wildlife. Despite its low hazard potential, the condition assessment of the dam has not been rated, and emergency action plans are not currently in place. The dam's spillway width is 20 feet, ensuring controlled water release when needed. With its beautiful surroundings and diverse ecosystem, Spencer Lake is a valuable water resource that contributes to the local environment and supports the community's needs.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of Spencer Lake as a hydroelectric facility that not only generates power but also serves multiple purposes such as flood control and recreation. The presence of the dam on Little Spencer Stream underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices in mitigating environmental risks and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. As a privately owned structure in Maine, Spencer Lake represents a harmonious blend of human intervention and natural landscapes, highlighting the delicate balance between water resource development and conservation efforts in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1946 |
Dam Length |
120 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
Little Spencer Stream |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
1819 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
8230 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Spencer Stream At Mouth
|
104cfs |
Dead River Near Dead River
|
786cfs |
Kennebec River At The Forks
|
660cfs |
Austin Stream At Bingham
|
55cfs |
Kennebec River At Bingham
|
2680cfs |
Piscataquis River At Blanchard
|
67cfs |
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.
Spencer Lake