Rice Rips dam
Rice Rips
Rice Rips, also known as Messalonskee No.3 Dam, is a private hydroelectric dam located in Oakland, Maine. Built in 1908, this concrete structure stands at 23 feet tall and spans 220 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet. Situated on the Messalonskee Stream, the dam plays a crucial role in harnessing the power of flowing water to generate hydroelectricity, contributing to Maine's renewable energy portfolio.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Rice Rips has a controlled spillway system with a width of 89 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 4945 cubic feet per second. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently unavailable, highlighting the need for regular inspections and risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of the structure. With its very high risk rating, Rice Rips serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure, energy production, and environmental conservation in Maine.
As a key player in Maine's hydroelectric industry, Rice Rips represents a historical and functional landmark that underscores the importance of sustainable energy practices in the region. Its presence on the Messalonskee Stream not only supports the local economy and energy grid but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of water resource management in the state. For those passionate about water resources and climate resilience, Rice Rips offers a fascinating case study in the intersection of infrastructure development, environmental stewardship, and renewable energy production.
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 Rice Rips -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Kennebec River At North Sidney | 10,100 cfs | → |
| Sandy River Near Mercer | 1,130 cfs | → |
| Cobbosseecontee Stream At Gardiner | 756 cfs | → |
| Sheepscot River At North Whitefield | 329 cfs | → |
| Carrabassett River Near North Anson | 739 cfs | → |
| Nezinscot River At Turner Center | 43 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Rice Rips .
Track Rice Rips 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 Rice Rips
Where does the data for Rice Rips 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 Significant 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 Rice Rips .