Hydro-kennebec (old Canal Gatehouse)
Hydro-kennebec (old Canal Gatehouse) is a masonry dam located in Kennebec County, Maine, built in 1989. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Hydro-kennebec (old Canal Gatehouse)
The primary purpose of Hydro-kennebec (old Canal Gatehouse) 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 Waterville.
The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 104 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 250 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,900 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4,270 square miles. Completed in 1989, the structure is 37 years 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.
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 | Kennebec |
| Nearest City | Waterville |
| River/Stream | Kennebec River |
| Coordinates | 44.55410, -69.62460 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Length | 104 ft |
| Year Completed | 1989 (37 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,900 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,900 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,900 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 250 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,270 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 185,850 cfs |
| Spillway Type | None |
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 | ME83054 |
| Federal ID | ME00083S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |