Moosehead - West Outlet
Moosehead - West Outlet is a concrete dam located in Somerset County, Maine, built in 1835. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Moosehead - West Outlet
The primary purpose of Moosehead - West Outlet is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Kennebec Water Power Company (public utility). It impounds the Kennebec River near The Forks.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 830 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 74,200 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,080,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,268 square miles. Completed in 1835, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 09/20/2022.
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Location
| State | Maine |
| County | Somerset |
| Nearest City | The Forks |
| River/Stream | Kennebec River |
| Coordinates | 45.65190, -69.74260 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 830 ft |
| Year Completed | 1835 (191 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,080,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,080,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,080,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 74,200 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,268 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,900 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Kennebec Water Power Company |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/20/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00092 |
| Federal ID | ME00091S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |