Flagstaff

Dead River· Somerset, Maine· Built 1948· Earth· 45 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Flagstaff is classified as high hazard in Maine. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 45 ft (taller than 94.7% in ME)
Dam Length1,339 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage275.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage275.5K acre-ft
Surface Area17,950 acres
Drainage Area516 sq mi
Max Discharge20,000 cfs
Year Completed1948 (78 years old)
NID IDME00127

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 21, 2022
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Brookfield Renewable Power LLC NYRO

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Flagstaff?

Flagstaff is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Flagstaff?

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

When was Flagstaff built?

Flagstaff was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Flagstaff?

Flagstaff serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation, Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Flagstaff?

Flagstaff has a dam height of 45 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 Flagstaff last inspected?

Flagstaff was last inspected on June 21, 2022. 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.