Schoodic Lake Dam
Schoodic Lake
Schoodic Lake, located in Lake View Plantation, Maine, is a picturesque water body that serves multiple purposes, with its primary function being hydroelectric power generation. The dam at Schoodic Lake, completed in 1929, is an earth structure standing at 11 feet tall and spanning 556 feet in length. This dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow along the Schoodic River and contributes to the storage of up to 22,000 acre-feet of water for various uses, including water supply.
The lake covers an area of 7,168 acres and is situated within a drainage area of 35.1 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam at Schoodic Lake is regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a normalized storage capacity of 19,000 acre-feet and a spillway width of 24 feet, Schoodic Lake represents a vital component of the region's water resource infrastructure, catering to both environmental and human needs.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Schoodic Lake to be a fascinating example of sustainable water management practices in action. From its historical significance as a source of hydroelectric power to its role in maintaining water supply and environmental balance, Schoodic Lake stands as a testament to the careful regulation and utilization of water resources in Maine. With its serene surroundings and strategic importance, this lake serves as a compelling case study for the intersection of water management, climate resilience, and sustainable development in the region.
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 Schoodic Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Piscataquis River At Medford | 248 cfs | → |
| Penobscot River At West Enfield | 5,040 cfs | → |
| Piscataquis River Near Dover-Foxcroft | 44 cfs | → |
| Kingsbury Stream At Abbot Village | 14 cfs | → |
| Mattawamkeag River Near Mattawamkeag | 324 cfs | → |
| East Branch Penobscot River At Grindstone | 577 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Schoodic Lake.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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River runs
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About Schoodic Lake
Where does the data for Schoodic Lake 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.