Rice Rips
Rice Rips is a concrete dam located in Kennebec County, Maine, built in 1908. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Rice Rips
The primary purpose of Rice Rips 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 Messalonskee Stream Hydro, Llc (private). It impounds the Messalonskee Stream near Oakland.
The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 220 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 87 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 185 square miles. Completed in 1908, the structure is over a century old.
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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/31/2022.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Maine |
| County | Kennebec |
| Nearest City | Oakland |
| River/Stream | Messalonskee Stream |
| Coordinates | 44.56470, -69.68760 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 220 ft |
| Year Completed | 1908 (118 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 87 acres |
| Drainage Area | 185 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,945 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Messalonskee Stream Hydro, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/31/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00104 |
| Federal ID | ME00104 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |