Millinocket Lake
Millinocket Lake is a concrete dam located in Penobscot County, Maine, built in 1910. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Millinocket Lake
The primary purpose of Millinocket Lake is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Millinocket Stream near Millinocket.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 635 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 8,640 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 45,370 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 122 square miles. Completed in 1910, 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 08/11/2022.
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 | Millinocket |
| River/Stream | Millinocket Stream |
| Coordinates | 45.74221, -68.73354 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 635 ft |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 45,370 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 45,370 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 45,370 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8,640 acres |
| Drainage Area | 122 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/11/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00205 |
| Federal ID | ME00205 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |