Mattaceunk
Mattaceunk is a concrete dam located in Penobscot County, Maine, built in 1939. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Mattaceunk
The primary purpose of Mattaceunk is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Penobscot River near Mattawamkeag.
The dam stands 45 feet tall and stretches 1,170 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,700 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 21,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3,308 square miles. Completed in 1939, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 07/21/2022.
At 45 feet, this dam is taller than 91% 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 | Penobscot |
| Nearest City | Mattawamkeag |
| River/Stream | Penobscot River |
| Coordinates | 45.57030, -68.40950 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,170 ft |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 21,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 21,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 21,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,700 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,308 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 168,300 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/21/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00143 |
| Federal ID | ME00143 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |