Wilson Stream dam
Wilson Stream
Wilson Stream, located in Piscataquis, Maine, is a private hydroelectric dam constructed in 1920 with a primary purpose of generating power. The dam stands at 36 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a length of 150 feet, holding a storage capacity of 20,070 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has a low hazard potential but is rated as having poor condition as of the last assessment in October 2019.
Managed by the Maine Emergency Management Agency, Wilson Stream is state-regulated with permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance. Although it has not undergone recent modifications, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans and has a designated inspection frequency. With its location on Big Wilson Stream, the dam plays a crucial role in the area's water resources and climate, making it a point of interest for enthusiasts in the field.
Overall, Wilson Stream presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, showcasing the intersection of hydroelectric power generation, regulatory oversight, and dam safety. As a historic structure with a significant storage capacity, the dam's condition and management provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in balancing energy production with environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions. Its presence on Big Wilson Stream adds to its importance as a focal point for understanding the dynamics of water resources in the region and the role of infrastructure in shaping the landscape.
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 Wilson Stream -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Piscataquis River At Blanchard | 183 cfs | → |
| Kingsbury Stream At Abbot Village | 128 cfs | → |
| Piscataquis River Near Dover-Foxcroft | 386 cfs | → |
| Kennebec River At The Forks | 1,890 cfs | → |
| Austin Stream At Bingham | 112 cfs | → |
| Kennebec River At Bingham | 6,390 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Wilson Stream.
Boat launches
- State Route 6 Maine
- Boat Landing Road 20, Piscataquis County
- Burnham Pond Road Maine
- Kineo Dock Road Rockwood
- Jackman Road 1139, Rockwood
- West Shore Road Caratunk
Campgrounds
- Lily Bay State Park
- Beach Haven Campsite
- Casey's Spencer Bay Camps
- Jewett Cove
- Salmon Island
- Peaks - Kenny State Park
Paddle runs
- Headwaters To Mouth At West Branch Pleasant River
- Kennebec Gorge
- Lobster Lake To Confluence With West Branch
- Golden Road Bridge (Approx. 2 Miles Below Lobster Stream) To Confluence With Pine Stream
- Ambajejus Falls To The End Of North And South Twin Lakes
- Pittston Farm To Golden Road Bridge (Approx. 2 Miles Below Lobster Stream)
Track Wilson Stream 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 Wilson Stream
Where does the data for Wilson Stream 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 Wilson Stream.