Lowell Tannery Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gristmill Pond Eskutassis Pond
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Lowell Tannery is a privately owned hydroelectric dam located in East Lowell, Maine, along the Passadumkeag River.
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Summary
The dam, completed in 1987, stands at 27 feet tall and spans 230 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 680 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 9,623 cubic feet per second. The primary purpose of the dam is for hydroelectric power generation, with additional uses including fire protection and maintaining a stock or small fish pond.
Despite its low hazard potential, Lowell Tannery poses a very high risk due to its location and potential impact on the surrounding area in the event of a failure. The dam is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, with inspections conducted every three years to ensure its structural integrity. Emergency action plans are in place, although details on their preparedness and adherence to guidelines are not readily available. Overall, Lowell Tannery serves as a vital hydroelectric infrastructure in the region, contributing to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Maine.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
230 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
Passadumkeag River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
69 |
Drainage Area |
301 |
Nid Storage |
680 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1, Tainter (radial) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lowell Tannery