Benton Falls Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hydro-Kennebec Shawmut
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Benton Falls, also known as Whitman Dam, is a private hydroelectric dam located in Kennebec, Maine, on the Sebasticook River.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1987, this concrete dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 955 acre-feet and a surface area of 83 acres. The dam has a controlled spillway with a width of 114 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 23,000 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Benton Falls has a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating of 1. Despite not being state-regulated, the dam undergoes inspections every three years to ensure its safety and integrity. The emergency action plan for the dam was last revised in January 2021, and the dam is equipped with roller and slide gates for water release. With its important role in hydroelectric power generation, Benton Falls serves as a significant water resource structure in Maine's energy infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1987 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
Sebasticook River |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
83 |
Drainage Area |
860 |
Nid Storage |
955 |
Outlet Gates |
Roller - 3, Slide (sluice gate) - 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.
Benton Falls
Causeway Road 71, China