West Grand Lake

West Grand Lake is a timber crib dam located in Washington County, Maine, built in 1836. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About West Grand Lake

The primary purpose of West Grand 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 Woodland Pulp, Llc (private). It impounds the West Branch St. Croix River near Grand Lake Stream.

The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 487 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 23,500 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 160,900 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 162 square miles. Completed in 1836, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

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 09/22/2022.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMaine
CountyWashington
Nearest CityGrand Lake Stream
River/StreamWest Branch St. Croix River
Coordinates45.18140, -67.77790

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeTimber Crib
NID Height13 ft
Dam Height13 ft
Dam Length487 ft
Year Completed1836 (190 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage160,900 acre-ft
Max Storage160,900 acre-ft
Normal Storage160,900 acre-ft
Surface Area23,500 acres
Drainage Area162 sq mi
Max Discharge5,450 cfs
Spillway TypeControlled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
OwnerWoodland Pulp, LLC
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection09/22/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDME00223
Federal IDME00223
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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