Messalonskee Lake
Messalonskee Lake is a concrete dam located in Kennebec County, Maine, built in 1992. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Messalonskee Lake
The primary purpose of Messalonskee Lake 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 Messalonskee Stream Hydro, Llc (private). It impounds the Messalonskee Stream near Oakland.
The dam stands 14 feet tall and stretches 162 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,600 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 110,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 177 square miles. Completed in 1992, the structure is 34 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 08/30/2022.
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 | Oakland |
| River/Stream | Messalonskee Stream |
| Coordinates | 44.53990, -69.72190 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Height | 14 ft |
| Dam Length | 162 ft |
| Year Completed | 1992 (34 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 110,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 110,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 110,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,600 acres |
| Drainage Area | 177 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,400 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Messalonskee Stream Hydro, LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/30/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ME00106 |
| Federal ID | ME00106 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |