Upper Dam, Maine, USA

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Quick Facts About Upper Dam

Location: Oxford, Maine
Coordinates: 44.8818, -70.864
River: Rapid River
Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric
Type: Concrete Earth Gravity
Commissioned: 1883
Dam Height: 25 ft (8 m)
Dam Length: 1,500 ft (457 m)
Dam Capacity: 192,039 acre-ft (236,876 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Satisfactory

Upper Dam Map

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Upper Dam Information

Upper Dam is a concrete earth gravity dam located about 11 miles from Errol, Oxford, Maine.

The dam, which is on the Rapid River, was primarily built for Hydroelectric purposes, but also serves for benefits.

The dam was designed by and commissioned in 1883 and is currently owned by Brookfield Renewable Power LLC NYRO.

Upper Dam Structure

The Upper Dam is approximately 1,500 feet (457 m) long, 25 feet (8 m) high and has a structural volume of cubic yards (0 cubic metres).

Upper Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 192,039 acre-ft (236,876 Ml) and maximum capacity of 192,039 acre-ft (236,876 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 15,741 acres (6,370 ha) and the total catchment area is 382 square miles (989 square kilometres).

Upper Dam Spillway

The dam spillway has a maximum discharge capacity of 22754 cubic feet per second (644 cubic metres per second).

Upper Dam Compared to Four Famous American Dams

Upper Dam
Oxford, Maine
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft) 25 730 550 357 216
Length (Ft) 1,500 1,244 5,673 6,920 1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft) 192,039 30,237,000 9,562,000 3,540,000 29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles) 382 167,800 74,100 3,611 108,355

Upper Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Upper Dam

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7-Day Forecast for Upper Dam

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Upper Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Upper Dam?

Upper Dam is in Maine.

In which county is the Upper Dam?

Upper Dam is in Oxford County.

How high is the Upper Dam?

Upper Dam is 25 feet high.

How long is the Upper Dam?

Upper Dam is 1,500 feet long.

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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