Dirigo Dowel Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pennell Pond Gilman Stream
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Dirigo Dowel, located in Somerset, Maine, is a historic dam on Lemon Stream that has been serving its purpose since 1890.
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Summary
Owned privately, this dam stands at a height of 8 feet and has a spillway width of 30 feet. With a NID storage capacity of 243 acre-feet and a surface area of 37 acres, Dirigo Dowel plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area.
Despite being categorized as low hazard potential, Dirigo Dowel is regulated by the state of Maine and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has not been rated for its current condition, but it meets the state's jurisdiction and regulatory requirements. In the event of an emergency, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, but its hazard potential is considered low.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dirigo Dowel offers a glimpse into the historical significance and engineering feats of early water infrastructure in Maine. As a key structure on Lemon Stream, this dam continues to play a vital role in managing water resources and providing valuable insights into the region's hydrological landscape.
Year Completed |
1890 |
Dam Length |
50 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
Lemon Stream |
Surface Area |
37 |
Hydraulic Height |
6 |
Nid Storage |
243 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Carrabassett River Near North Anson
|
304cfs |
Sandy River Near Mercer
|
326cfs |
Kennebec River At Bingham
|
1990cfs |
Austin Stream At Bingham
|
55cfs |
Dead River Near Dead River
|
791cfs |
Spencer Stream At Mouth
|
104cfs |
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.
Dirigo Dowel