Upper Dam
Upper Dam is a concrete dam located in Oxford County, Maine, built in 1883. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Upper Dam
The primary purpose of Upper 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 Brookfield Renewable Power Llc Nyro (private). It impounds the Rapid River near Errol.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 1,500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15,741 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 192,039 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 382 square miles. Completed in 1883, 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 07/27/2022.
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 | Oxford |
| Nearest City | Errol |
| River/Stream | Rapid River |
| Coordinates | 44.88180, -70.86400 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1883 (143 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 192,039 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 192,039 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 192,039 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15,741 acres |
| Drainage Area | 382 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 22,754 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Brookfield Renewable Power LLC NYRO |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/27/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00026 |
| Federal ID | ME00026 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |