Skelton
Skelton is a concrete dam located in York County, Maine, built in 1948. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Skelton
The primary purpose of Skelton 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 Saco River near Biddeford.
The dam stands 75 feet tall and stretches 1,695 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 488 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 25,250 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1,622 square miles. Completed in 1948, 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 05/25/2022.
At 75 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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 | York |
| Nearest City | Biddeford |
| River/Stream | Saco River |
| Coordinates | 43.57100, -70.55790 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,695 ft |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 25,250 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 25,250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 25,250 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 488 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,622 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 160,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Brookfield Renewable Power LLC NYRO |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/25/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00033 |
| Federal ID | ME00033 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |