Pennessewassee Stream dam
Pennessewassee Stream
Pennessewassee Stream, located in Oxford, Maine, is a vital water resource with a rich history dating back to its completion in 1935. This hydroelectric facility serves as a significant source of power, with a dam height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 5,688 acre-feet. The stream covers a drainage area of 24 square miles and boasts a surface area of 6 acres, making it an essential component of the region's water infrastructure.
Managed by private owners and regulated by the Maine Emergency Management Agency, Pennessewassee Stream has a low hazard potential and maintains a satisfactory condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam continues to function effectively, with regular inspections conducted every 12 months to ensure its safety and reliability. The stream's location in a picturesque setting adds to its appeal for water resource and climate enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the intersection of human ingenuity and natural beauty.
With its rich heritage and critical role in providing hydroelectric power, Pennessewassee Stream stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management. As climate change continues to impact our environment, this historic stream serves as a reminder of the need to balance our energy needs with responsible stewardship of our natural resources. For those passionate about water conservation and climate resilience, Pennessewassee Stream offers a fascinating case study in the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
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 Pennessewassee Stream -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Little Androscoggin River Near South Paris | 149 cfs | → |
| Nezinscot River At Turner Center | 43 cfs | → |
| Androscoggin River Near Auburn | 8,740 cfs | → |
| Androscoggin River At Rumford | 5,730 cfs | → |
| Wild River At Gilead | 194 cfs | → |
| Ellis River At South Andover | 318 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Pennessewassee Stream.
Boat launches
- Singepole Trail Paris
- Pismo Beach Road 38, Oxford
- Norway Road Harrison
- Rowe Hill Road Woodstock
- Power House Road, Bridgton
- Turner Road Auburn
Campgrounds
- Dunn's Campground
- Community Room
- Seeds Of Peace Camp
- Salmon Point City Campground
- Hoop Basketball Camp
- Laurel South
More reservoirs
Track Pennessewassee 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 Pennessewassee Stream
Where does the data for Pennessewassee 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 Pennessewassee Stream.