Mason dam
Mason
Mason is a historic masonry dam located in Belfast, Maine, along the Goose River. Built in 1835, this hydroelectric structure stands at 15 feet tall with a length of 86 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1620 acre-feet. The dam serves as a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment, overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for inspection and regulation.
Despite its age, Mason continues to operate efficiently as a hydroelectric facility, contributing to the region's renewable energy sources. The dam's uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet ensures proper water discharge during peak flow periods, maintaining the structural integrity of the surrounding area. Although the condition assessment is not available, the dam's historical significance and functional purpose highlight its importance in the local water resource management.
With the presence of Mason in the Waldo County landscape, water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the blend of historic craftsmanship and modern energy production techniques. As a privately owned structure, the dam stands as a testament to Maine's commitment to sustainable hydroelectric power generation while maintaining the ecological balance of the Goose River. For those interested in the intersection of historic preservation and renewable energy, Mason serves as a compelling example of innovation and longevity in the water resource sector.
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.
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 Mason -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Ducktrap River Near Lincolnville | 28 cfs | → |
| Kenduskeag Stream Near Bangor | 179 cfs | → |
| Sheepscot River At North Whitefield | 329 cfs | → |
| Kennebec River At North Sidney | 10,100 cfs | → |
| Cobbosseecontee Stream At Gardiner | 756 cfs | → |
| Sandy River Near Mercer | 1,130 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Mason .
Boat launches
- Water Street, Castine
- Turnpike Drive Camden
- Megunticook Lake
- Pitchpole Trail Camden
- Acadia Highway 1117, East Orland
- Craig Pond Trail 79, Orland
Track Mason in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Mason
Where does the data for Mason 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Mason .