Weston - North Channel
Weston - North Channel is a concrete dam located in Somerset County, Maine, built in 1921. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Weston - North Channel
The primary purpose of Weston - North Channel is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Kennebec River near Skowhegan.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 529 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 930 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 18,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,894 square miles. Completed in 1921, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/23/2022.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Maine dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Maine |
| County | Somerset |
| Nearest City | Skowhegan |
| River/Stream | Kennebec River |
| Coordinates | 44.76480, -69.72140 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 529.5 ft |
| Year Completed | 1921 (105 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 18,600 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 18,600 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 18,600 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 930 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,894 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 143,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/23/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00085 |
| Federal ID | ME00085 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |