West Enfield Dam
West Enfield
West Enfield, also known as the Stanford Dam, is a hydroelectric structure located in Howland, Maine along the majestic Penobscot River. Built in 1988, this concrete dam stands tall at 46 feet high and spans 972 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 11,480 acre-feet and a drainage area of 5,218 square miles. Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, West Enfield serves as a vital source of renewable energy, harnessing the power of the river to generate electricity for the region.
With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, West Enfield plays a crucial role in balancing water resource management and climate impact mitigation in the area. Equipped with three Tainter radial gates and a 472-foot wide uncontrolled spillway, the dam ensures safe and efficient water flow management during peak discharge events. While the dam's condition assessment is not available, regular inspections and emergency action plans are in place to address any potential risks and maintain the structural integrity of the dam.
As a key player in the region's hydroelectric infrastructure, West Enfield symbolizes the harmonious integration of water resource utilization and climate-conscious energy generation. Its strategic location, efficient design, and regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission highlight the importance of sustainable water resource management and renewable energy production in the face of climate change challenges. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, West Enfield stands as a beacon of innovation in the pursuit of a greener, more resilient future for water resources and climate enthusiasts alike.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around West Enfield -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Penobscot River At West Enfield | 5,040 cfs | → |
| Piscataquis River At Medford | 248 cfs | → |
| Mattawamkeag River Near Mattawamkeag | 324 cfs | → |
| Kenduskeag Stream Near Bangor | 11 cfs | → |
| Piscataquis River Near Dover-Foxcroft | 44 cfs | → |
| East Branch Penobscot River At Grindstone | 577 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near West Enfield .
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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River runs
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About West Enfield
Where does the data for West Enfield come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.