Cochnewagon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Cochnewagon, situated in Kennebec, Maine, is a concrete dam with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, as well as serving for recreation and water supply.


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Summary

Completed in 1900, this dam stands at a height of 9 feet with a hydraulic height of 6 feet, providing storage of 1590 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 403 acres. The dam regulates Mud Mills Stream and is under the jurisdiction of the Maine Emergency Management Agency, ensuring it meets state regulations for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Despite its historical significance and multifaceted utility, Cochnewagon's condition assessment is deemed unsatisfactory, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in July 2018 revealed the need for improvements, as the dam falls short of safety standards. The emergency action plan (EAP) for Cochnewagon was last revised in October 2020, indicating ongoing efforts to address potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding area in the event of an emergency. Climate and water resource enthusiasts are urged to monitor updates on Cochnewagon's risk management measures and improvements to safeguard this vital infrastructure and the community it serves.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

40

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

Mud Mills Stream

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

403

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

3.5

Nid Storage

1590

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.