Damariscotta - Intake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
The Damariscotta - Intake Dam, located on the Damariscotta River in Maine, was completed in 1920 and serves a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.
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Summary
This concrete gravity dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a length of 200 feet, with a storage capacity of 142,529 acre-feet and a surface area of 4,625 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a high risk level (2) and is subject to regular inspections by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Owned privately, the Damariscotta - Intake Dam is not regulated by the state but falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for operations and inspections. The dam does not have a spillway and has not been modified in recent years. While the condition assessment is labeled as "Not Available," the dam is deemed to meet emergency action plan guidelines, although specific details on risk management measures and inundation maps are lacking. With its historical significance and role in generating renewable energy, the Damariscotta - Intake Dam remains a key feature in the region's water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
Damariscotta River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
4625 |
Drainage Area |
57 |
Nid Storage |
142529 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Damariscotta - Intake Dam