Rumford Falls Middle Dam
Rumford Falls Middle Dam is a timber crib dam located in Oxford County, Maine, built in 1892. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Rumford Falls Middle Dam
The primary purpose of Rumford Falls Middle Dam 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 Rumford Falls Hydro Llc (private). It impounds the Androscoggin River near Rumford.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 428 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 21 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 141 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2,080 square miles. Completed in 1892, 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 07/21/2022.
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Location
| State | Maine |
| County | Oxford |
| Nearest City | Rumford |
| River/Stream | Androscoggin River |
| Coordinates | 44.54275, -70.54637 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Timber Crib |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 428 ft |
| Year Completed | 1892 (134 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 141 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 141 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 141 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 21 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,080 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 75,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Rumford Falls Hydro LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/21/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00012 |
| Federal ID | ME00012 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |