Barker Mill Upper Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Barker Mill Upper, located in Auburn, Maine, is a privately-owned masonry dam completed in 1987 for hydroelectric purposes on the Little Androscoggin River.


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Summary

With a height of 24 feet and a length of 230 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 255 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 350 acres. The controlled spillway with a width of 126 feet helps regulate the maximum discharge of 19,900 cubic feet per second, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the structure.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Barker Mill Upper is classified as having a low hazard potential but a very high risk assessment, highlighting the critical importance of regular inspections and emergency preparedness. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam is equipped with two Tainter (radial) outlet gates for operational control. The dam's location within Androscoggin County in Maine underscores its significance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Despite its age, Barker Mill Upper remains a key infrastructure for generating clean hydroelectric power and maintaining water levels in the surrounding area. With its historical significance and ongoing management under federal regulations, this dam serves as a vital component of the local water resource system and a focal point for climate enthusiasts and stakeholders interested in sustainable energy and environmental conservation.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

230

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

Little Androscoggin River

Primary Dam Type

Masonry

Surface Area

41

Drainage Area

350

Nid Storage

255

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial) - 2

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

24
       
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.