Cataract - East Channel Dam

Saco River· York, Maine· Built 1938· Concrete· 49 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Cataract - East Channel Dam is classified as low hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 49 ft (taller than 96.1% in ME)
Dam Length165 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage28 acre-ft
Normal Storage28 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area1,703 sq mi
Max Discharge5,625 cfs
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)
NID IDME00030

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 20, 2018
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Brookfield Renewable Power LLC NYRO

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cataract - East Channel Dam?

Cataract - East Channel Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Cataract - East Channel Dam?

Cataract - East Channel Dam is owned by Brookfield Renewable Power LLC NYRO (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cataract - East Channel Dam built?

Cataract - East Channel Dam was completed in 1938, making it 88 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Cataract - East Channel Dam?

Cataract - East Channel Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Cataract - East Channel Dam?

Cataract - East Channel Dam has a dam height of 49 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Cataract - East Channel Dam last inspected?

Cataract - East Channel Dam was last inspected on September 20, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.