Tacoma Lakes dam
Tacoma Lakes
Tacoma Lakes, located in Kennebec, Maine, is a beautiful water resource managed by the local government for recreational purposes. This serene destination boasts a concrete dam completed in 1885, standing at a height of 11 feet with a hydraulic height of 8 feet. The dam spans 130 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 2990 acre-feet, providing ample opportunities for water-based activities on its 2580-acre surface area.
Maintained by the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Tacoma Lakes is a state-regulated water body that offers a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam's structural integrity remains sound, with regular inspections carried out every 12 months to ensure continued safety. With a spillway width of 32 feet and a drainage area of 15 square miles, this picturesque location is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also a vital component of the local ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tacoma Lakes presents a fascinating case study in sustainable water management practices. From its historical significance as a recreational hub to its modern-day role in flood control and ecosystem preservation, this tranquil oasis serves as a testament to the importance of responsible stewardship of our natural resources. Whether you're drawn to its scenic beauty or its environmental impact, Tacoma Lakes offers a compelling blend of history, recreation, and conservation for all who appreciate the interconnectedness of water and climate.
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 Tacoma Lakes -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cobbosseecontee Stream At Gardiner | 756 cfs | → |
| Nezinscot River At Turner Center | 43 cfs | → |
| Androscoggin River Near Auburn | 8,740 cfs | → |
| Sheepscot River At North Whitefield | 329 cfs | → |
| Kennebec River At North Sidney | 10,100 cfs | → |
| Little Androscoggin River Near South Paris | 149 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Tacoma Lakes.
Boat launches
- Litchfield
- Cobbosseeconte Lake Boat Launch
- Lower Narrows Pond Public Boat Ramp
- Maranacook Lake South Public Boat Ramp
- Robbins Lane 18, Winthrop
- Lake Street Sabattus
Track Tacoma Lakes 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 Tacoma Lakes
Where does the data for Tacoma Lakes 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 Tacoma Lakes.