Gulf Island
Gulf Island is a concrete dam located in Androscoggin County, Maine, built in 1926. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Gulf Island
The primary purpose of Gulf Island is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. It impounds the Androscoggin River near Lewiston - Auburn.
The dam stands 99 feet tall and stretches 2,488 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,862 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 55,100 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2,860 square miles. Completed in 1926, 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 07/22/2022.
At 99 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Androscoggin |
| Nearest City | Lewiston - Auburn |
| River/Stream | Androscoggin River |
| Coordinates | 44.15310, -70.20970 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 99 ft |
| Dam Height | 99 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,488 ft |
| Year Completed | 1926 (100 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 55,100 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 55,100 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 55,100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,862 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,860 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 201,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/22/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00007 |
| Federal ID | ME00007 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |